Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Victoria Falls
HIS Royal Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani, a prominent member of Qatar’s ruling family, arrived in the resort city of Victoria Falls yesterday, leading a senior delegation to formalise strategic partnerships and initiate bilateral investment agreements valued at over US$19 billion, a move set to unlock vast potential across Zimbabwe’s key sectors.
The high-level delegation was warmly received by Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, marking the beginning of a three-day visit expected to reshape Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory. This landmark occasion is one of the most significant outcomes of President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement policy, representing a major step forward in diplomatic, economic, and strategic co-operation between Zimbabwe and Al Mansour Holding–State of Qatar.
The anticipated outcomes of the visit include the signing of high-level bilateral agreements, strengthening of public-private investment frameworks, increased global visibility of Zimbabwe’s investment climate, and a firm commitment to long-term economic transformation through strategic partnerships.
Speaking shortly after arrival, Ambassador Mahomed Jassat, Director of Public Relations and Chief Advisor to His Royal Highness Sheikh Mansour, expressed enthusiasm and reaffirmed the delegation’s commitment.
“It’s great to be back again in Zimbabwe. I promised our President Mnangagwa that we would bring investment from Qatar. We envisaged that they are going to invest approximately US$19 billion into the economy.
“We have been to Burundi. In Burundi they have promised US$12 billion, Zambia US$19 billion, Botswana US$12 billion and obviously my country has to come in there and there will be US$19 billion over all sectors. I am proud to be back home. I am proud to have brought the investment back into Zimbabwe and we really look forward to the Mansour Group and the State of Qatar for doing business,” he said.
Mr Nidal Ammach, Chairman of Mansour Holding and Advisor to His Royal Highness, elaborated on the mission’s purpose.
“The purpose of the visit is just to build a friendship relationship between Mansour Holding, State of Qatar and Zimbabwe. We are progressing and the friendship is getting stronger and stronger. Now we are moving to the next stage where actually we are going to do an investment in this country,” he said.
He outlined the group’s broad investment interests.
“At Mansour Holding, basically, we cover all areas. So, basically starting from all technical things of the oil industry.
We have downstream upstream for oil and gas. We are doing agriculture, livestock, food security as well as tourism.
We are very passionate about tourism, affordable housing, cyber security, ports, and airports, just name it.” Mr Ammach also emphasised the long-term nature of the investment.
“Our vision actually just, if you connect all these industries together, it will make that vision with Zimbabwe, which is really looking at a long-term and basically we’re here to invest in one black 5 star hotel. We’re interested to look at long term investment and what should Zimbabwe do.”
Over the past ten months, Qatar has quietly laid the groundwork for a partnership built on mutual trust, strategic alignment, and a shared commitment to Zimbabwe’s prosperity. These efforts reflect the strength of President Mnangagwa’s leadership and the clarity of the national development vision.
Qatar’s extended presence in Zimbabwe signals a deepening commitment to a long-term, multidimensional relationship with both the Government and the people. Zimbabwe holds a central position in Qatar’s broader regional strategy, which includes neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Mozambique, Burundi, Botswana, and Angola. This visit underscores Qatar’s belief in Zimbabwe’s pivotal role in regional stability and growth.
The three-day itinerary includes a formal signing ceremony for bilateral agreements, a private engagement between President Mnangagwa and Sheikh Mansour, a joint press briefing, and visits to strategic national projects and infrastructure.
This is all cheap talk. We recall one Dangote promising huge investment in this country. Several more so called rich individuals have visited and promised investment as well. Why are our leaders not realising that they are doing something embarrassing? Such must not make news headlines until something concrete happens.