Lagos, Nigeria — The Qatari Al-Khayyat family is seeking to expand its global investment portfolio with a focus on multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects across Africa, particularly in the aviation and construction sectors. Led by brothers Moutaz and Ramez Al-Khayyat, the family’s venture through UCC Holding aims to bolster connectivity and economic growth in East and Central Africa. UCC Holding, a key subsidiary of the Al-Khayyat family’s investment group, is actively pursuing Ethiopia’s $12.
5 billion new international airport project, which is poised to become a major aviation hub in Africa.
The project is designed to handle up to 100 million passengers annually, supporting Addis Ababa’s role as a regional transit gateway.
Additionally, the company is eyeing a 400-kilometre highway development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and easing trade bottlenecks. Ramez Al-Khayyat, President and Group CEO of Power International Holding (PIH), and Moutaz Al-Khayyat, founder and chairman of PIH and several Qatari companies, are driving this strategic expansion. Their efforts align with the broader trend of Middle Eastern capital flowing into African megaprojects, seeking stable returns through public-private partnerships in emerging markets.
The Ethiopian airport project is part of a larger infrastructure development plan that analysts believe will present long — term opportunities for investors.
The DRC’s highway project is seen as a game-changer for the country, potentially opening new economic avenues and improving connectivity with neighboring nations.
The Al — Khayyat family’s investments are in line with Africa’s broader economic objectives, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is expected to significantly boost intra-African trade and investment.
However, these projects also raise concerns about environmental impact and the need for local community engagement. Despite the challenges, the potential economic benefits of such infrastructure projects are hard to ignore.
The Ethiopian airport expansion, for instance, is seen as a critical infrastructure development for the country, reflecting its commitment to becoming a regional aviation hub.
The Qatari Al — Khayyat family’s investment in Africa’s infrastructure is a significant development that could transform the continent’s economic landscape and improve the lives of its citizens.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Solomon Ekanem
