Mauritania inaugurates the first international health fair, medex, with the presence of the first lady, and dozens of foreign companies
#mgnewsletter | novembre 2024
Medex brings together for the first time major healthcare professionals and companies from more than 10 countries.
Successful MEDEX International Health Fair in Mauritania
The International Health Fair, MEDEX, organized by the Mauritanian Employers’ Health Federation and supported by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Trade, the European Union and the WHO, was a resounding success. The event brought together renowned medical and scientific professionals from over 10 countriesas well as more than 80 national and international national and international companies, marking a milestone in the development of the health sector in Mauritania.
Major sponsors of the event included Sogeco, SNIM and TasiastThe fair also featured the participation of entities such as Banque El Amana, BCI, Vision Plus, Mauritel, CAMEC, COEME and Mattel. The fair also featured an attractive program of conferences organized by the Order of Physicians and the Order of Pediatricians, which highlighted relevant and current topics in the field of health.
More than 4,000 visitors participated in this edition of MEDEX, which was attended by high-level speakers, including Dr. Lara, recognized for his contributions to oncology treatments. This event was sponsored by the First Lady of Mauritania, Dr. Mariem Mohamed Fadel Dah, reflecting the importance of the country’s commitment to health welfare.
The MEDEX International Healthcare Fair has laid the groundwork for future developments in the Mauritanian healthcare sector, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing and the establishment of new opportunities in the medical field.
For more information, please visit the Medex website by clicking here
International Relations: Mauritania and Spain
Growing interest of Spanish companies in Mauritania
First Mauritania-Canary Islands Business Meeting: Strengthening Ties and Investment Opportunities
Last October, the Association of Mauritanian-Spanish Entrepreneurs, COEME, organized a business meeting between Mauritania and the Canary Islands at Casa África, with the support of PROEXCA and the sponsorship of Mauritania Logistics Company (Maurilog) and Hospitales San Roque. A delegation from the Club des Entrepreneurs de Mauritanie (CEM), led by its president Sidi Khalifou, and other Mauritanian businessmen traveled to Las Palmas, with the aim of strengthening economic ties and exploring new investment opportunities between the two regions.
The program included presentations and round tables on green hydrogen, renewable energies, training and new technologies, as well as B2B meetings between companies. During their stay, the Mauritanian delegation had the opportunity to learn about the activities of the Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias (ITC), especially in projects related to green hydrogen.
Mauritanian entrepreneurs, interested in the technology developed in the Canary Islands, also explored the possibility of establishing relationships with local suppliers and their interest in settling in the Canary Islands, attracted by its proximity and tax advantages. This initiative underscores COEME’s active role in promoting trade exchanges and strengthening economic relations between the Canary Islands and Mauritania.
Spain reaffirms its support to Mauritania for border security
The Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, has reiterated Spain’s support to Mauritania in its efforts to control and secure its borders. During a two-day visit to Nouakchott, she met with the Mauritanian Minister of Defense, Hanenna Ould Sidi, to strengthen bilateral relations and explore areas of cooperation between the two ministries.
In his discussions, the Mauritanian minister highlighted the serious security situation in the Sahel, marked by social and political instability, as well as economic crises that threaten regional and global peace. He also noted the growing number of refugees in Mauritania, a result of the conflict in the region, which has led to an increase in the smuggling of migrants seeking to reach Europe through Mauritanian territory.
Mauritania seeks to strengthen its collaboration with Spain and the European Union to promote safe and orderly migration. Recently, several bilateral agreements have emerged to manage migration flows and stabilize borders. Since the end of 2023, Mauritania has become a significant departure point for boats bound for the Canary Islands, a trend that could increase with good weather.
With more than 150,000 refugees on its territory, Mauritania faces a continuous influx of migrants. In comparison, Spain has seen a 66.2% increase in the number of migrants arriving by land and sea so far this year. This strengthened partnership between the two countries underscores the importance of a coordinated response to address migration challenges and ensure stability in the Sahel region.
Energy and renewables
Nigeria, together with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Morocco and Mauritania, has reaffirmed its commitment to the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, a $26 billion initiative aimed at connecting Nigeria to Morocco and extending to European markets. This collaboration was the focus of the ECOWAS inter-ministerial meeting held in Abuja, where strategies for advancing the project were discussed.
The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) aims to transform the region’s economy by improving access to natural gas and promoting energy trade across West Africa. Mele Kyari, CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), highlighted the importance of the decisions made at the meeting, which will shape the future of the project and benefit local communities.
The NMGP builds on Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves and is divided into two main components: the West African Gas Pipeline extension and the Nigeria-Morocco pipeline, which will establish connections between at least 13 ECOWAS countries before extending to Europe.
Laila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and Sediko Douka, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to generate employment and foster sustainable development in the region.
However, participants also acknowledged challenges, including securing continued financing and managing environmental impacts. Despite these obstacles, progress in engineering and environmental studies shows a commitment to addressing these challenges in a coordinated and innovative manner, reaffirming Africa as a key player in the global natural gas market.
Mauritania seeks to transform its energy sector to boost mining growth
Mauritania is in the process of modernizing its energy infrastructure to support the growth of its mining sector, which includes ambitious projects in iron ore mining and green hydrogen exploration. Mamadou Amadou Kane, advisor to the Minister of Energy Transformation, highlights that, for the first time, the country will integrate independent power producers (IPPs) to meet the needs of the sector.
Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM), the state-owned mining giant, is at the center of this transition, starting with a 30 MW thermal power plant in Zouérat. In addition, the Tasiast gold mine is exploring solar options to supplement its energy consumption.
Reliable and sustainable energy is essential for SNIM, which produced more than 13 million tons of iron ore in 2022, to nearly double by 2030. Mauritania is also well positioned to develop renewable energy projects thanks to its solar and wind potential, which will indirectly benefit mining operations by freeing up traditional energy resources.
Looking ahead, Mauritania aims to position itself as a green hydrogen hub, with projects such as Chariot and TotalEnergies underway, seeking to produce hydrogen for export and domestic use. The creation of a reliable energy infrastructure will allow Mauritania to decrease the carbon footprint of its mining operations.
However, the country faces significant challenges, including limitations in energy infrastructure and distribution, as well as a desert environment that complicates operations. Despite this, the government has introduced an energy master plan that supports the integration of private companies into the national grid.
Aiming to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030, Mauritania is implementing programs such as the Masdar rural electrification program, which has benefited more than 39,000 households. In addition, financing agreements are being established with the African Development Bank for key projects, including an electricity interconnection with Mali and the creation of hybrid mini-grids.
With a commitment to reinvest mining revenues in social sectors and critical infrastructure, Mauritania seeks to diversify its economy and promote sustainable growth. With strategic investments and a focus on renewable energy, the country is poised to take advantage of its natural wealth and build a prosperous future.
Mauritania is taking ambitious steps to position itself as a producer and exporter of sustainable energy, gas and green hydrogen. In an interview, Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled discusses the importance of the BirAllah gas field and the need for a strategic partner for its development. This field, discovered in 2015, has significant reserves, but still requires technical studies to optimize a profitable development plan.
Ould Khaled notes that the government has made significant reforms to improve the investment climate in the energy sector, simplifying regulatory processes and offering tax incentives. The intention is to transform Mauritania into a regional energy hub, with a focus on synergy between the gas, electricity and mining sectors.
In addition, Ould Khaled asserts that the country’s political stability is key to attracting long-term investment, allowing major projects, such as the GTA, to begin producing gas in the near horizon, which should generate substantial revenues and encourage local industrialization.
The minister also stresses that the recent green hydrogen code will be crucial in boosting investment in this area, taking advantage of Mauritania’s renewable energy potential thanks to its abundant sun and wind. Through the production of reliable and low-cost electricity using gas, the country aims to transform its industrial strategy, facilitating the production of green steel and other sustainable industries.
Finally, Ould Khaled envisions a future where Mauritania achieves universal access to sustainable energy by 2030, positioning itself as the region’s next energy hub through significant investments in key infrastructure.
Mobil and BP highlight major liquefied natural gas projects in Africa at African Energy Week 2024
At African Energy Week: Investing in African Energy, ExxonMobil and BP reaffirmed their commitment to oil and gas investment on the continent, seeking new partnerships to capitalize on growing energy demand.
ExxonMobil is leading the Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique, which is expected to produce 18 million tons of LNG per year. The company plans to make a final investment decision in early 2026. Frank Kretschmer, general manager of ExxonMobil Mozambique, noted that the project will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but will also boost local businesses and create thousands of jobs.
Separately, BP is focusing its investments on the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project in Senegal and Mauritania, an innovative offshore LNG development that will produce 2.3 million tons per year for the next two decades. The project is progressing toward the operation phase, with a planned start-up later this year. Dave Campbell, BP senior vice president for Mauritania and Senegal, emphasized the importance of harmonizing regulations and the focus on local content, training a new generation of engineers through a training program in collaboration with local technicians.
Both companies underlined Africa’s relevance in the global energy system, both now and in the future, with a focus on sustainable energy solutions and reduced emissions.
Construction and infrastructure
Government announces 87 million euro investment for the modernization of Nouakchott
In early November, the Mauritanian government announced an ambitious priority development program for Nouakchott, aimed at improving access to basic services and revitalizing the city in order to attract investors. This plan includes a firm commitment to complete works within 16 months, with a zero-tolerance policy on infrastructure quality and a participatory approach involving various local stakeholders.
20.48 million will be allocated for the rehabilitation and construction of educational establishments, thus improving school infrastructure. In the health sector, 22.43 million euros will be allocated for the construction of health centers, key to strengthening medical care in the capital. Access to drinking water will also be guaranteed in all the neighborhoods of Nouakchott.
The program includes the implementation of five projects to increase energy production, which is vital for urban growth. 40 million will be invested in paving 168 kilometers of roads, facilitating transportation and connectivity. In addition, 5 million euros will be allocated to sports infrastructure, promoting recreational activities for young people.
Finally, sustainable development initiatives will be implemented, including the creation of green spaces and reforestation, contributing to the beautification of the city. With these comprehensive actions, the government seeks to transform the capital, modernize it, and make it more attractive to investors and tourists.
BADEA commits to finance US$100 million for the construction of the Gourbassi Dam
The Banque Arabe pour le Développement Economique en Afrique (BADEA) has announced a commitment of 100 million to finance the Gourbassi multipurpose reservoir, located in the Falémé River region. This decision was formalized during a meeting between Mohamed Abdel Vetah, High Commissioner of the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS), and Sidi Ould Tah, President of BADEA, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The process of mobilizing the funds is in its final phase and will be presented at the next BADEA Council meeting after confirmation of the financial conditions by the States involved. The construction of the reservoir, the total cost of which amounts to US$315 millionThe Senegal River, which will facilitate navigation, promote irrigated agriculture and increase the production of hydroelectric power, is intended to regulate the flow of the Senegal River.
The reservoir, which will have a height of 30 meters and a length of 1.4 km, is designed to accommodate a hydroelectric plant of 18 MWhydroelectric power plant, which will produce annually 68.4 GWh. In addition to power generation, the project will benefit the region by supporting navigation, ensuring a minimum flow for domestic supply and irrigation, and mitigating environmental impacts related to mining in the area.
Vetah thanked BADEA for its continued commitment to the development of the Senegal River area and was optimistic about strengthening cooperation between the two institutions.
Inauguration of the Second Desalination Plant Module in Nouadhibou
The President of the Republic, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, inaugurated on Friday the second module of the seawater desalination plant in Nouadhibou, as part of the commemoration of the 64th anniversary of national independence. With this new unit, drinking water production will rise to approximately 27,000 cubic meters per day, with the goal of increasing this figure to 37,000 cubic meters by 2025.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, Amal Mint Maouloud, stressed that this project, costing 266 million ouguiyas, includes the installation of 9 wells of 100 cubic meters per hour, a desalination unit of 5,000 cubic meters per day and two tanks of 500 cubic meters each, all financed by the state budget.
The minister also announced plans for the construction of a new plant with a capacity of 50,000 cubic meters per day and the improvement of the water distribution network in Nouadhibou and Boulenouar. The ceremony was attended by important authorities, who underlined the relevance of this project for sustainable development and the well-being of the local population, ensuring a better water supply until 2030.
Launching of the Modernization Project of the National Public Works Laboratory
The Minister of Equipment and Transport, Ely Ould El Veirik, inaugurated the modernization project of the National Public Works Laboratory (LNT) in Nouakchott, alongside the Minister of Housing, Urban and Regional Planning, Mamoudou Mamadou Niang.
The project will be divided into two phases: the first includes the acquisition of modern asphalt equipment, a 250 KVA electrical substation and a 160 KVA generator, at a cost of 57 million ouguiyas, and delivery is scheduled for December 20. The second phase will focus on training personnel and equipping a modern soil laboratory. The LNT director emphasized that this modernization aims to ensure quality infrastructure and independence from foreign laboratories.
Mining
Aura Energy appoints Mohamed El Moctar Mohamed El Hacene as Country Manager in Mauritania
Aura Energy Limited has enthusiastically announced the appointment of Mohamed El Moctar Mohamed El Hacene as the new Country Manager for Mauritania. This position has been recently created to strengthen the management of the company’s operations in the country.
Aura Energy is developing the Tiris Uranium Project in Mauritania, which could become the country’s first uranium mine. This project has estimated resources of 91.3 million pounds of uranium and is expected to produce 2.5 million pounds annually.
With a net present value (NPV) of approximately US$499 million and an internal rate of return of 39%, the project promises to be financially viable, recovering the investment in 2.25 years.
The initiative not only seeks to generate economic benefits, but also to boost local development and create new jobs in the region. If successfully realized, the Tiris Uranium Project could play a key role in Mauritania’s economic growth and consolidate its position in the mining industry.
Hacene is a highly qualified Mauritanian national with vast experience in mining and international affairs. He previously served as Mauritania’s Minister of Petroleum and Mines from 2007 to 2008, during Aura’s discovery of uranium at Tiris. Prior to joining Aura, he worked for ten years at the United Nations as Director of the Economic Development and Integration Division of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in Lebanon.
In addition, El Hacene was General Manager of External Relations for Rio Tinto’s Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, and has advised various mining companies in Mauritania and agencies such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
Aura Energy CEO Andrew Grove expressed his delight at the addition of El Hacene to the team, highlighting his experience and passion for the Tiris Uranium Project. His leadership is expected to drive the development of what would be Mauritania’s first uranium mine.
The naming of El Hacene is considered an important step forward for Aura to advance the development of the Tiris Project, which shows significant potential value as evidenced by the recent production target update study.
Inauguration of New Ore Transport Line in Nouadhibou
The President of the Republic, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, inaugurated a new ore transport line at Nouadhibou to commemorate the 64th anniversary of national independence. The facility, costing €15.6 million, includes a 6,000 tons per hour loading system and 1,200 meter conveyor belts, which will double the rate of ship loading from 5,000 to 10,000 tons per hour.
The Minister of Mines and Industry, Thiam Tidjani, highlighted that this improvement will contribute to increase the production of SNIM (Sociedad Nacional de Industriales de Minerales) and strengthen the local and national economy. The ceremony was attended by various government and local authorities.
International
BRICS Summit in Kazan: Strengthening cooperation and new strategic agreements
The recent BRICS summit, held in Kazan, Russia, October 22-24, has brought together leaders of influential countries in a context of growing power and cooperation. With the recent addition of new members such as Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, the BRICS now represent the 45% of the world’s population and 44% of oil production.
At this summit, the President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who stressed the importance of strengthening relations between Russia and African countries, highlighting the growth of trade between Russia and Africa, which increased by more than 30%. 30% in 2023. Putin also emphasized Russia’s commitment to support the continent’s efforts in the economic and security spheres, in addition to welcoming the African Union’s entry into the G20.
For his part, Ould Ghazouani expressed Mauritania’s interest in strengthening its ties with Russia, especially in areas such as fisheries, education and trade. In this regard, he stressed the importance of attracting Russian investors to develop the natural resources and energy sectors.
The summit also addressed crucial issues such as “de-dollarization”, where the BRICS countries seek to create a system of trade and finance independent of the U.S. dollar. A new international payment system is expected to be introduced as an alternative to SWIFT, which could change global economic dynamics.
Cooperation and solidarity between BRICS and developing countries are key to addressing inequalities and promoting sustainable development. The meeting in Kazan not only reaffirms the BRICS commitment to a new multipolar era, but also sets a clear path for strengthening bilateral relations, such as the example of the Mauritania-Russia partnership, crucial to addressing the economic and humanitarian challenges facing the African continent.
What does Trump’s second term mean for Africa?
Following Donald Trump’s re-election, African leaders began to congratulate him, with expectations of how his second term will impact the continent. However, his first term left a mixed impression, with criticism for cutting aid and restricting immigration, as well as disparaging remarks about some African countries.
During his first administration, Trump introduced initiatives to increase investment in Africa, such as Prosper Africa and the Development Finance Corporation, which continued under Joe Biden and have generated more than $10 billion in investments on the continent.
On the trade front, there are concerns about the future of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows certain African countries to export goods duty-free. Trump previously mentioned that he would not renew AGOA upon its expiration in 2025, which could negatively impact economies such as South Africa. Although his stance is protectionist, he could maintain certain trade relations to counter China’s economic influence in the region.
In terms of humanitarian aid, Africa receives a considerable portion of its funding from the United States, which donated nearly $3.7 billion in the last year. However, Trump has proposed cuts to foreign aid, which could affect key programs such as PEPFAR, which combats HIV. Possible Republican victories in the election could also facilitate cuts.
On the immigration issue, Trump has promised to deport one million people without legal permission, which generates concern among African migrants. During his first term, he imposed immigration restrictions on several African countries, which could be repeated.
Finally, Russia’s growing influence in Africa, through support for governments in conflict, could influence Trump’s response. Although it has previously collaborated with Nigeria to combat terrorism, its approach to other conflicts, such as Sudan, remains uncertain.
In short, while Trump seems intent on establishing trade relations with Africa, his protectionist approach and record of aid cuts and immigration restrictions create uncertainty about the true implications of his second term for the continent.
Environment and climate change
At COP29 in Bakou this November, the President of Mauritania and of the African Union, Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani, underlined the imperative need for international cooperation to address climate change, making a special appeal to Africa’s priorities. He pointed out that, although the continent contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is one of the most affected by their consequences, such as droughts, floods and food crises.
Ghazouani emphasized that African countries urgently require technical and financial support to adapt and increase their resilience to climate change. He emphasized the historic responsibility of the international community to help these countries, recalling that the climate situation profoundly affects their development and security.
The president also highlighted Mauritania’s efforts to mitigate climate change, such as its participation in the Great Green Wall initiative and the promotion of renewable energy, with the aim of increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy consumption. He assured that, despite Mauritania’s marginal contribution to emissions (0.02%), the country continues to face devastating effects due to climate change.
Ghazouani closed his speech by urging the international community to mobilize adequate resources to respond to the needs of the least developed countries, especially in Africa, to ensure a sustainable and just future. His speech resonated as a reminder of Africa’s crucial role in the climate fight and the need for significant support for its adaptation and action efforts.
African countries should not go into debt to repair uncaused climate damage, says economist
In the framework of the COP, the urgency of increasing public funding from the global North for climate adaptation in Africa is emphasized. Carlos Lopes, an economist at the University of Cape Town, argues that African countries, which are not responsible for the climate crisis, depend on external finance, much of which comes from loans, exacerbating their debt burden.
Approximately 64.5% of climate adaptation funding in Africa was provided in the form of loans rather than grants, which negatively impacts the economies of these nations. Lopes notes that between $1.3 and $1.6 trillion is required annually to meet Africa’s climate finance needs and that accessing these funds is complicated by cumbersome bureaucratic processes.
To address the crisis, it is crucial that African leaders at the COP secure commitments and resources that promote not only adaptation, but also a paradigm shift that avoids dependence on loans and supports sustainable nature-based solutions. Lopes concludes that bold leadership and regional solidarity are needed to rewrite the rules of climate finance.
Arts, culture and sports
Dahane Beide, Mauritanian referee nominated for the world’s best referee award
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) has nominated Mauritanian referee Dahane Beide as a candidate for the World’s Best Referee award for 2024.
Beide is one of twenty referees of various nationalities competing for this recognition. He has refereed important matches, including the final of the recent African Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and the final of the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Since obtaining his international referee accreditation in 2018, Dahane Beide has also been part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games refereeing team. Born in 1991, he is a geological engineer and graduated from the University of Lille in 2014.
Agriculture and livestock
France donates 16 million euros to Mauritania to boost agriculture
Mauritania has signed a grant agreement with France in the amount of 16 million euros (approximately 690 million new ouguiyas) to finance a project that will support agro-pastoral chains and contract farming in the country. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Sid Ahmed Ould Bouh, and the French Ambassador to Mauritania, Moncam Davera, representing the French Development Agency (AFD).
The project aims to structure competitive agro-pastoral chains that generate employment opportunities in the regions of Gorgol, Guidimakha, Adrar and in dairy production in the two Hodhs. According to Ould Bouh, infrastructure improvements, equipment supply and storage units will be implemented, as well as the creation of collection centers and financing.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 6,000 farmers, 120 milk producers and 475 fodder producers, with the goal of marketing 14,000 tons of vegetables and 1,700 tons of milk annually. In addition, new savings funds will be created in several regions to support agricultural and dairy activities, thereby improving the technical and organizational capacities of local cooperatives.
The French ambassador stressed that this funding reaffirms France’s commitment to support Mauritanian policies to ensure food security, create wealth and reduce inequalities in the country.
Economics and Finance
IMF calls for strengthening public debt management in Mauritania
Mauritania has begun a project to improve its public debt management with technical support from the IMF and financing from the Japanese government. An IMF report points to weaknesses in the National Public Debt Committee, such as a lack of reliable data and qualified staff, which limits the country’s ability to project its debt effectively.
The IMF proposes to introduce a debt management tool, but raises doubts about the capacity of the CNDP to use it properly. There is a need to improve coordination between institutions and reduce dependence on external assistance.
The IMF’s 2024 plan includes establishing reliable debt projections and publishing reports, but its success depends on the active involvement of the government and overcoming existing structural weaknesses. The key question is whether this initiative will achieve a significant change in debt management in Mauritania or will it be just another technical effort with no lasting results.
Mauritania’s National Assembly approves major economic reforms
Mauritania’s National Assembly has recently passed three key bills that seek to transform the country’s financial landscape. These laws cover the new statute of the Banque centrale de Mauritanie (BCM), the modernization of capital markets and a legislative framework for secured bonds.
The reform of the BCM’s statute aims to strengthen its independence and stability, as well as to regulate digital payments, which promises to improve confidence in the financial system. On the other hand, the modernization of capital markets will facilitate access to long-term financing, vital for infrastructure projects and economic growth, reducing dependence on short-term, high-interest bank loans.
The legislative framework on insured bonds will allow lending institutions to diversify their funding sources, offering security to investors by guaranteeing securities with assets.
These reforms are crucial to foster a sounder and more transparent financial environment, which in turn can attract more investment and ensure sustainable development in Mauritania.
European Union assesses budget support to Mauritania
In Nouakchott, a meeting of the follow-up committee that analyzes cooperation programs between Mauritania and the European Union (EU) was held. The Minister of Economy and Finance, Sid Ahmed Ould Bouh, welcomed the EU ambassador and his team, underlining the importance of this new chapter in their collaboration.
The Minister highlighted Mauritania’s progress in development and human rights, which has improved the living conditions of the population, particularly the most vulnerable groups. For his part, the EU ambassador, Joaquin Tasso Vilallonga, expressed his satisfaction with these achievements and asked the attendees to redouble their efforts to complete the evaluations of the budget support that the Union provides to the country.
OIC Member Countries Sign Agreement to Combat Corruption
Member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) signed the “Mecca Agreement on Cooperation on Anti-Corruption Laws” on Wednesday in Doha, Qatar. The signing took place during the second meeting of agencies in charge of the enforcement of these laws, with the participation of 56 countries.
The agreement seeks to establish a legal framework to facilitate cooperation between anti-corruption authorities, improving communication, information sharing and evidence gathering to strengthen criminal justice and hold the corrupt accountable. Mauritania and other countries signed the agreement, which was previously adopted at the first OIC ministerial meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Mauritania Shines at African Fintech Forum with Financial Innovation Awards
The governor of the Banque Centrale de Mauritanie, Mohamed Lemine Ould Dehbi, received the “Fintech Pioneers Award” during the sixth edition of the African Fintech Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This award recognizes his reforms in financial inclusion and digital finance development over the past two years.
BCM also received the “Financial Inclusion Award” for improving access to financial services in Africa. During the ceremony, it was highlighted that the bank is a pioneer in adopting a national inclusion strategy and promoting financial education and interoperability in payment services. The awards were accepted by Sidi Mohamed Dhaker, Senior Advisor to the Governor.
Policy
Summary of the Speech of the President of Mauritania on the 64th Anniversary of Independence
The President of the Republic, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, delivered a speech on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of Mauritania’s independence, in which he stressed the importance of national unity and the country’s development. He announced several significant measures: a monthly allowance of approximately 476.19 euros (20,000 former ouguiyas) will be granted to more than 4,000 sixth grade teachers, and the salary conditions of the armed forces will be improved with increases of approximately 357.14 euros (15,000 ouguiyas) for soldiers and approximately 238.10 euros (10,000 ouguiyas) for non-commissioned officers.
The President emphasized the need for a social dialogue to discuss the increase in the minimum wage and the revision of the pension system for the public sector. He highlighted the crucial role of education and health, mentioning salary increases for health workers and teachers, and the creation of a fund to support teacher housing.
The speech also addressed the government’s efforts to address national challenges, such as poverty and injustice, and reaffirmed the commitment to build a modern state that responds to the aspirations of the people. The President concluded by expressing his confidence in the ability of the Mauritanian people to achieve social transformation and sustainable development together.
