His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, made his first official visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Friday, November 21, 2025, culminating in the signing of six key bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening economic and institutional ties. Welcomed by President Félix Tshisekedi, the Emir engaged in discussions on economic cooperation, regional stability, and investment opportunities.
The centerpiece agreement focuses on the port sector. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar) and the Congolese National Transport and Ports Office (ONATRA) outlines technical and financial collaboration to modernize DRC’s port infrastructure, a critical step to improve trade efficiency for a nation heavily reliant on maritime logistics for its mining exports.
In addition, the two countries signed an MoU in the legal sector to enhance cooperation between their Ministries of Justice, aiming to strengthen legal certainty in trade and create a more attractive business environment. Another agreement introduces visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports, facilitating official travel and expediting institutional exchanges in economic and commercial areas.
The Qatar Fund for Development also signed an MoU with the DRC Ministry of Social Affairs to support a multi-sectoral emergency project in South Kivu province. While humanitarian in nature, the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to stabilize crisis-affected regions, improving the region’s investment climate and promoting economic growth in eastern DRC.
Further agreements cover cooperation in youth and sports, enabling investments in sports infrastructure, training programs, and technical exchanges, as Qatar seeks to expand its presence in Africa. Finally, an agreement was signed to establish regular political consultations between the foreign ministries of both nations, providing a structured framework for ongoing bilateral relations and future economic partnerships.
President Tshisekedi highlighted Qatar’s involvement in the Doha process, which led to the November 15, 2025, framework agreement between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 coalition. The improved security situation in eastern DRC is expected to bolster the region’s economic attractiveness, particularly for mining, agriculture, and logistics investments.
