Zimbabwe is set to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar today as President Emmerson Mnangagwa meets a high-powered delegation led by His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani at State House. The engagement is expected to open new avenues for cooperation in tourism, trade, and strategic investment between the two countries.
The 19-member delegation, which touched down in Zimbabwe last week, has been undertaking a tour of the country’s leading tourism destinations to assess opportunities for investment. Their programme included a visit to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, where they were hosted by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi.
Minister Rwodzi described the visit as a significant endorsement of Zimbabwe’s tourism potential and overall investment climate. She said that the presence of Sheikh Mansour and his delegation signalled a renewed confidence in Zimbabwe as a safe and attractive destination.
“This visit is an indication of the good relations between the two governments,” she explained. “The delegation will meet President Mnangagwa at State House to strengthen Zimbabwe-Qatar public-private investment frameworks. Their interest in our tourism sector, particularly in Victoria Falls, shows they are keen on putting their money into our tourism infrastructure.”
The minister emphasised that visits by royal family members carry symbolic importance that extends far beyond diplomacy.
“If the Head of State, or anyone from the royal family, is visiting a destination, it means the destination is safe, peaceful and worth visiting,” Rwodzi noted. “We anticipate more visitors from Qatar coming into Zimbabwe, and we want to see a reciprocal relationship in tourism between the two countries.”
Analysts say the symbolism is crucial at a time when Zimbabwe continues to reposition itself on the international stage, aiming to rebuild its image as a viable investment hub after years of limited foreign capital inflows.
Members of the visiting delegation have already spoken highly of their experiences in the country. Ambassador Mahomed Jassat, who serves as director of public relations and chief adviser to Sheikh Mansour, expressed admiration for Zimbabwe’s potential.
“This is definitely the best country in the world, and it is not because I am Zimbabwean, but the Sheikh shares the same sentiment,” Jassat said. “It is truly an honour to be in Zimbabwe. We will be meeting with President Mnangagwa to further strengthen our strategic partnerships and investments.”
His remarks, warmly received by government officials, were seen as a public endorsement of Zimbabwe’s efforts to court Middle Eastern investors.
Nidal Ammache, chairperson of Mansour Holdings and adviser to Sheikh Mansour, echoed similar sentiments. On his fourth visit to Zimbabwe, Ammache revealed that this was his first time in Victoria Falls, which he described as an “unforgettable experience.”
“It has been a great experience. We already love the country and look forward to more collaboration in the future,” he said.
Mnangagwa to Host High-Level Qatari Delegation as Investment Talks Deepen
The visit has placed Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings firmly in the international spotlight. Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and other destinations continue to attract interest from investors and travelers alike, with the government seeking to position the sector as a major driver of economic growth.
However, officials have hinted that discussions with the Qatari delegation will not be limited to tourism. Energy, agriculture, mining, and infrastructure are also expected to feature prominently in talks with President Mnangagwa. The Qatari delegation’s broad composition suggests a multi-sectoral interest in Zimbabwe’s economy.
Zimbabwe has in recent years intensified its “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” campaign, with President Mnangagwa leading efforts to attract new partnerships, particularly from non-traditional markets such as the Gulf States. Qatar, with its strong financial base and growing portfolio of overseas investments, is viewed as a strategic partner in these efforts.
For Zimbabwe, today’s meeting represents not only a chance to secure potential investment deals but also an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties with one of the Middle East’s most influential states. Diplomatic relations between Harare and Doha have remained cordial, but both countries are now moving to translate that goodwill into tangible projects.
The visit also comes at a time when African economies are increasingly looking eastward and toward the Gulf region for alternative sources of investment, shifting focus from traditional Western partners.
As the delegation heads into discussions with President Mnangagwa, expectations are high that the talks will yield practical outcomes. While no official agreements have yet been signed, government officials have suggested that frameworks for long-term cooperation are being developed.
Observers believe that the successful hosting of Sheikh Mansour’s delegation could pave the way for more visits and expanded collaboration, not just in tourism but across multiple sectors critical to Zimbabwe’s economic revival.
“The visit by Sheikh Mansour has placed the spotlight firmly on Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings, but more importantly, it has positioned the country as a partner of choice for Qatar,” Minister Rwodzi said.
With global attention now focused on Harare, Zimbabwe is hopeful that today’s State House meeting will mark the beginning of a new chapter in its international partnerships, one defined by deeper cooperation, increased investment, and stronger people-to-people ties.
Source- Bulawayo24
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