Doha, November 20 (QNA) - Relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Rwanda have been marked by rapid growth and a strategic partnership spanning various development fields. Over the past years, the two nations have succeeded in building a solid foundation of cooperation in the areas of economy, investment, education, tourism, aviation, security, and anti-corruption, making Rwanda a key partner in Qatar's outreach to the African continent.
The mutual visits exchanged between the leadership of both countries reflect their shared commitment to strengthening dialogue, expanding investment opportunities, and achieving sustainable development. This contributes to supporting regional stability and creating new horizons for bilateral cooperation.
The visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Rwandan capital, Kigali, to meet with HE President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame comes within the framework of strengthening the close relations between the two nations and reaffirming the mutual commitment to enhancing the foundations of sustainable investment and expanding its prospects in a way that serves their common goals.
Qatar's successful mediation in resolving the dispute between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, announced in Doha on Mar. 18, followed by the final signing of the peace agreement, which included armed groups, on Nov. 15, 2025, crowned nearly a decade of distinguished relations between Qatar and Rwanda. This reflects the fruitful cooperation and a shared desire by the leadership of both countries to strengthen bilateral ties and elevate it to an advanced level of political and economic partnership.
In March, HH the Amir hosted both HE President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame and HE President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi to reaffirm the commitment of all parties to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as agreed upon. Both sides expressed their gratitude for Qatar's efforts and for the role of HH the Amir, which contributed to building trust between the two countries.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Qatar and Rwanda in 2017, both sides have strived to elevate these relations to a level of productive partnership and robust investments. Regular reciprocal visits between HH the Amir and HE the Rwandan president, along with high-level governmental delegations, have helped drive forward joint cooperation across vital sectors, broaden the scope of bilateral agreements, and enhance coordination on related issues in various international forums.
Undoubtedly, the State of Qatar constitutes a significant economic force within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), owing to its distinguished capabilities in global energy markets, infrastructure, international trade, and diplomatic negotiation efforts. Rwanda, meanwhile, is one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, offering a dynamic and stable investment environment in sectors such as textiles, apparel, leather, agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, tourism, ICT, and pharmaceuticals.
At the institutional level, on Feb. 7, 2025, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and GiveDirectly signed a grant agreement worth approximately USD 5 million during the 2025 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Partnership Forum, aimed at supporting families living in extreme poverty in Rwanda for a one-year period, underscoring the commitment of QFFD and its partners to assisting the most vulnerable.
Funded by QFFD, GiveDirectly, in collaboration with the Rwandan government, will provide lump sum cash grants of USD 1,100 to 3,979 households experiencing extreme poverty. This initiative falls under the Habwa Wigire ('Receive and build your own future') Program, implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) in Rwanda. The program aims to accelerate the reduction of the national poverty gap and provide a successful model for poverty reduction that can be replicated nationally, and eventually globally.
This trilateral agreement seeks to accelerate the implementation of Rwanda's National Strategy for Transformation toward Vision 2050 by eradicating poverty. The partnership also supports Rwanda's agricultural economy, upon which more than two-thirds of the rural population depends for their livelihoods, and which provides income for nearly 60% of the country's population. 

In terms of investments, Qatar has undertaken its largest investment in Africa, constructing a new international airport on the outskirts of Kigali, the capital, at a cost of USD 1.6 billion. The majority of the project was completed in 2023. Qatar Airways also signed two agreements with Rwandan tourism air transport company and an agreement with the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority.
Qatar and Rwanda are linked by an array of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) covering political, diplomatic, economic, trade, agricultural, cultural, and sports sectors, in addition to investment and cooperation sectors in aviation and double taxation avoidance. The two countries also signed an agreement for Qatar to acquire 60% of the share of the Rwandan Bugesera International Airport. Furthermore, a MoU for defense cooperation exists between the two friendly nations, addressing military and defense relations and ways to strengthen and develop them.
Hassad Food, a Qatari company that invests in achieving food security for the State of Qatar, signed a MoU for food cooperation with Rwanda in 2018. This aligns with Hassad's new strategy, which aims to become a successful strategic investor in global food and agricultural production by exploring available investment opportunities in the food and agricultural sectors.
In a related development, a MoU was signed between the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Rwanda Finance Limited (RFL), with the aim of facilitating joint initiatives that contribute to enhancing the growth of both QFC and the KIFC, as well as encouraging the regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the performance and operations of both financial centers to enter mutual recognition agreements, thus opening new avenues and creating more business opportunities in both markets, and fostering durable partnerships with global markets that supports Qatar's economic diversification strategy and enhancing its economic capabilities and potential.
The agreements signed between the two countries include one that enables passengers on RwandAir and Qatar Airways to access over 160 destinations on their combined networks from Kigali and Doha.
In December 2023, on the sidelines of the International Conference on Air Services Negotiations (ICAN) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bilateral talks were held between the civil aviation authorities of Qatar and Rwanda, resulting in positive outcomes, including the signing of a MoU that allows the relevant airlines in both countries to enter into joint commercial cooperation agreements.
It is worth noting that Rwanda has recorded an impressive economic growth rate, with an average GDP growth rate exceeding 7%. Over the past decade, thanks to strategic investments in technology, agriculture, tourism, and industry, Rwanda has made significant strides. The country has also achieved comprehensive health coverage, improved the quality of education, and promoted gender equality across various sectors.
Located in the heart of Africa, south of the equator within the Great Lakes region, Rwanda is a landlocked country. It connects to the outside world through its neighbors, particularly via the ports of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Mombasa in Kenya. Its area exceeds 26,000 square kilometers, and its population was estimated at 15 million in 2025.
Visitors to Rwanda will readily perceive the country's remarkable economic boom. Rwanda, whose name means "Land of a Thousand Hills," attracts tourists from around the world with its unique and breathtaking natural beauty. (QNA)