Qatar Airways is set to invest in an undisclosed airline based in Southern Africa in the coming weeks, as it seeks to expand its presence across the continent.
The announcement was made by Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, during the Qatar Economic Forum.
Although Al Baker did not reveal the specific airline, he mentioned that the focus could be on two or three potential carriers, with an official announcement expected within the next two or three weeks.
Southern Africa is considered a critical market for increasing Qatar Airways’ footprint on the continent, which has seen a surge in travel demand in recent years.
Already operating flights to 31 destinations across Africa, the state-owned airline is looking to further broaden its network through a series of partnerships and investments.
Additionally, the Doha-based airline is finalizing the acquisition of a 49% stake in RwandAir and will own 60% of a new airport being constructed near Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
The new airport, expected to be completed in 2027, aims to become a major travel hub, positioning itself as a competitor to the Ethiopian Airlines Group.
The Qatar Economic Forum, sponsored by Bloomberg and hosted by the Qatari government, served as the platform for these announcements.
