Qatar Airways is on the verge of announcing an investment in a southern African airline, according to its CEO, Badr Mohammed Al Meer. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha on Wednesday, Al Meer indicated that the final stages of the equity investment are nearly complete, with an official announcement expected within two to three weeks.
Al Meer, who took over as CEO in November, highlighted the strategic importance of this investment, noting that southern Africa represents a significant gap in Qatar Airways’ African network. The investment aims to enhance connectivity by expanding the fleets of its partner airlines on the continent.
Previously, in 2019, Qatar Airways acquired a 60% stake in a new $1.3 billion international airport under construction in Rwanda. The airline also has code-sharing agreements with several African carriers, including Rwandair. Rwandair CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo, also present at the forum, mentioned that the new airport in Rwanda is expected to be operational by 2027-28.
