Qatari investment company Al Mansour Holding has pledged an unprecedented $70 billion in investments across four Southern African countries during a 10-day tour, a move analysts say is deeply strategic as U.S. aid flows to the continent shrink under the second Trump administration.
Doha, Qatar © Mena Today
Qatari investment company Al Mansour Holding has pledged an unprecedented $70 billion in investments across four Southern African countries during a 10-day tour, a move analysts say is deeply strategic as U.S. aid flows to the continent shrink under the second Trump administration.
The group’s founder, Sheikh Mansour bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani, a member of Qatar’s ruling family, met with leaders of Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe to sign major financing commitments spanning energy, agriculture, tourism and mining.
In Mozambique, Sheikh Mansour signed a $20 billion partnership agreement with President Daniel Chapo, including significant investments in health and education, the presidency announced.
In Zimbabwe, the fund pledged $19 billion, with $500 million earmarked for a hydroelectric power project, according to the government. Zambia is also set to receive $19 billion, while Botswana secured $12 billion, the respective governments confirmed.
“This is only the beginning,” said Botswana’s President Duma Boko, noting that the deal is worth more than half of his country’s GDP.
Botswana, though rich in diamonds, declared a public health emergency on August 25 after hospitals ran out of essential medicines due to depleted state finances.
The massive commitments come at a time when African governments are grappling with drastic U.S. aid reductions.
“Global uncertainty has intensified under President Donald Trump’s second term, with rising American protectionism, tariffs and reduced aid flows forcing African states to seek alternative partners,” said Brendon Verster, economist at Oxford Economics Africa.
“Gulf funds are not just an investment engine, but a geopolitical ballast—offering Africa protection against Western retrenchment while granting Qatar and its Gulf neighbors greater influence.”
Gulf States Expand Influence
The United Arab Emirates has also expanded its footprint, signing 44 agreements worth $6.5 billion with Angola during President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s visit on August 25.
Yet experts urge caution. Details of the Qatari agreements—including timelines, conditions and counterparties—remain undisclosed.
“The sums involved are astronomical and must be treated with suspicion,” said Johannesburg-based political analyst Marisa Lourenco. “The Middle East is emerging as the new major geopolitical player in Africa’s mining sector, but may also be positioning itself to secure gas supplies.”
According to media reports, Sheikh Mansour’s African tour may not stop in Southern Africa. With additional commitments expected, total pledges could surpass $100 billion.
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