Sheikh Tamim Signs Six Key Agreements with DRC to Boost Trade, Ports, and Development
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, marked by the signing of six bilateral agreements with significant economic potential.
Welcomed by President Félix Tshisekedi, the Emir discussed shared priorities including economic cooperation, regional stability, and investment opportunities.
The flagship 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) sets the stage for technical and financial collaboration to modernize DRC’s port infrastructure.
This initiative is expected to enhance national and regional trade efficiency, a critical factor for a country whose exports, particularly in mining, rely heavily on maritime logistics.
The two countries also signed an MoU in the legal sector to strengthen cooperation between their Ministries of Justice. This partnership aims to improve legal certainty in trade and foster a more attractive business environment.
A separate agreement introduces visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports, facilitating official travel and accelerating institutional exchanges, especially in economic and commercial areas.
Another MoU between the Qatar Fund for Development and the DRC Ministry of Social Affairs will support a multi-sectoral emergency project in South Kivu province. While primarily humanitarian, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to stabilize crisis-affected regions—a key factor in attracting investment and promoting economic growth in eastern DRC.
The agreements also include cooperation in youth and sports, enabling investments in sports infrastructure, training programs, and technical exchanges—areas where Qatar seeks to expand its presence in Africa.
Finally, an agreement establishes regular political consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries, creating a structured framework for bilateral relations and laying the foundation for future partnerships, particularly in economic sectors.
These agreements come amid a significant diplomatic context. President Tshisekedi highlighted Qatar’s role in the Doha process, which led to the signing of a framework agreement on November 15, 2025, between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 coalition.
The improved security situation in eastern DRC is expected to enhance the region’s economic appeal in the medium term, particularly for mining, agriculture, and logistics investments.
