Qatar Airways and Emirates expand strategic presence in Africa

Gulf carriers Qatar Airways and Emirates are ramping up their presence in Africa, competing for market dominance in a fast-growing and strategically vital aviation region, reports Jeune Afrique.

Qatar Airways is pursuing equity partnerships with local airlines to expand its influence. In recent years, it has explored joint ventures with Amazone Airlines in Benin, and potential investment in Air Côte d’Ivoire. 

It already holds a 25% stake in South Africa’s Airlink and is expected to finalize a 49% stake in RwandAir, while also co-financing 60% of Kigali’s new international airport.

Meanwhile, Emirates, already well-established since the 1990s, focuses on a code-sharing model and network expansion. Operating 161 weekly flights to 19 African countries, the carrier leverages partnerships with South African Airways, Airlink, and low-cost subsidiary FlyDubai to broaden its regional reach without equity stakes.

Financially, both airlines are thriving. 

Qatar Airways posted $2.15 billion in profits in 2024 and serves over 30 African destinations. Emirates reported $5.6 billion in profit with the world’s largest fleet, including 106 Airbus A380s.

Yet both face stiff competition. Ethiopian Airlines leads the African market with 155 destinations, over $6.7 billion in revenue, and significant intra-African investments. 

Turkish Airlines is also a formidable rival, using Istanbul’s geographic advantage and Turkey’s business footprint in Africa to expand its reach.

As Africa’s aviation landscape grows more crowded, Gulf carriers are adapting distinct strategies—Qatar prioritizing ownership and diplomacy, while Emirates focuses on operational scale and alliances—to stake their claim in the continent’s skies.