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 San Roque Hospitals. A delegation from the Club des Entrepreneurs de Mauritanie (CEM), led by its president Sidi Khalifou, and other Mauritanian businessmen travelled to Las Palmas, with the aim of strengthening economic ties and exploring new investment opportunities between the two regions.
The program included presentations and roundtables on green hydrogen, renewable energy, 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 Technological Institute of the Canary Islands (ITC), especially in projects related to green hydrogen.
Mauritanian businessmen, 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 underlines COEME’s active role in promoting trade and strengthening economic relations between the Canary Islands and Mauritania.
Spain reaffirms its support for Mauritania for border security
The Spanish Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, has reiterated Spain’s support for Mauritania in its efforts to control and secure its borders. During a two-day visit to Nouakchott, he met with Mauritanian Defense Minister 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 pointed to 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 migratory flows and stabilize borders. Since the end of 2023, Mauritania has become a significant departure point for vessels bound for the Canary Islands, a trend that could increase with good weather.