Qatar Participates in African Ministerial Meeting on Midterm Review of Doha Programme of Action

Qatar has participated in a high-level African ministerial meeting in Addis Ababa focused on reviewing progress under the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries and identifying priorities ahead of its comprehensive midterm review.

The State of Qatar took part in the Africa Regional Ministerial Preparatory Meeting for the Mid-term Review of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) for the Least Developed Countries, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The two-day meeting concluded on September 9, 2026, bringing together representatives from African least developed countries, along with regional and international partners.

Qatar was represented by Fahad bin Hamad Al Sulaiti, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), who participated via video conference.

Reviewing Progress Under the Doha Programme of Action

The meeting assessed progress in implementing the Doha Programme of Action and sought to consolidate Africa’s regional priorities ahead of the upcoming Comprehensive High-level Midterm Review of the DPoA.

Participants discussed some of the major structural and financial challenges facing least developed countries in Africa.

These included:

•    Growing financing gaps
•    Limited fiscal space
•    Rising debt burdens
•    Climate-related challenges
•    The need to strengthen productive capacity
•    Building greater economic resilience
•    Supporting sustainable graduation from least developed country status

Qatar Calls for Innovative Financing Solutions

Speaking during the meeting, Al Sulaiti stressed the importance of addressing development financing gaps and strengthening international partnerships to support the long-term development of least developed countries.

He highlighted the need for innovative and flexible financing solutions that can help countries expand productive capacities, improve economic resilience and protect development gains already achieved.

Al Sulaiti also called for stronger international cooperation and more predictable, long-term financing that can adapt to the evolving development needs of LDCs.

Such support, he said, is important for countries as they progress through development and eventually graduate from least developed country status.

Qatar’s Continued Support for Least Developed Countries

QFFD’s participation forms part of Qatar’s ongoing partnership with the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS).

The collaboration supports the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action and its development priorities.

Qatar played a central role in the programme’s development after hosting the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Doha in March 2023.

Following the conference, Qatar announced a $60 million commitment to support implementation of the DPoA.

Funding Food Security and Resilience Programmes

Qatar’s financial commitment includes a core contribution to UN-OHRLLS as well as support for programmes aimed at addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing least developed countries.

According to QNA, the funding includes support for two key initiatives:

•    A food stockholding mechanism designed to address food insecurity in LDCs
•    A resilience-building mechanism intended to strengthen countries’ ability to respond to economic, environmental and development challenges

These initiatives reflect Qatar’s broader efforts to support sustainable development and help vulnerable countries build stronger, more resilient economies.

African Priorities Ahead of 2027 Review

The Addis Ababa meeting concluded with a focus on developing a unified African position ahead of the DPoA midterm review scheduled for 2027.

Participants emphasised stronger regional and international partnerships, along with expanded cooperation between countries of the Global South.

The discussions are expected to help shape African priorities and recommendations as governments and international organisations prepare to evaluate the progress made during the first half of the Doha Programme of Action.

Doha Programme of Action

The Doha Programme of Action provides an international framework for supporting the world’s least developed countries during the 2022–2031 period.

Its priorities include strengthening productive capacity, expanding international trade, improving resilience, addressing climate-related challenges and mobilising sustainable financing.

Qatar’s participation in the Addis Ababa meeting reinforces its continued role in supporting the programme and promoting international cooperation aimed at helping least developed countries achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.