Kigali is poised to become a hub for air travel in Africa, with a new airport set to open in 2027.

Qatar Airways is poised to make a significant equity investment in an airline in southern Africa, according to CEO Badr Al-Meer. This move is part of the airline’s strategy to expand its network in Africa, with a focus on central and southern Africa.

“We are in the final stages of negotiations to acquire a stake in an airline in southern Africa,” Al-Meer stated. “We expect to make an announcement in two to three weeks.”

This investment will deepen Qatar Airways’ presence in Africa, where it already has partnerships with RwandAir and a 60% stake in a new airport being built in Kigali, Rwanda.

“Africa is a key market for us, and we are committed to growing our presence on the continent,” Al-Meer said. “This investment will help us to improve connectivity and offer more options for our passengers.”

The airline will face competition from Ethiopian Airlines Group, which is a major player in the African aviation market. However, Qatar Airways is confident that its investment will bring benefits to the region.

“We believe that our investment will bring significant economic benefits to the region, and we are committed to working with local partners to make this a success,” Al-Meer said.

“The potential… is immense,” says RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo.

The new hub in Kigali is expected to be completed in 2027, and Qatar Airways is looking to expand its fleet and improve connectivity in Africa, with a focus on southern Africa.

“We are excited about the opportunities that this investment presents, and we look forward to making a positive impact on the region,” Al-Meer concluded.

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