Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has been re-elected in presidential elections with more than 56% of the vote, securing his second term in office following his initial victory in 2019. Ghazouani, who previously served as army chief of staff and defense minister, has promised to strengthen security and encourage investment to boost the development of Mauritania’s natural resources, a country rich in minerals such as iron, copper, zinc, phosphate, gold, oil and natural gas.
Ghazouani won in the first round of the elections against six other candidates. His main opponent, activist Biram Dah Abeid, came second with 22% of the vote, followed by Hamadi Sidi El Mokhtar of the Islamist Tewassoul party with 12.8%.
Abeid has rejected the preliminary results alleging irregularities and has announced that he will use his own electoral commission to declare the results. On the other hand, El Mokhtar also warned before the elections that his party would not accept the results if they perceived any irregularities. In 2019, some opposition candidates questioned the legitimacy of the elections, leading to small-scale protests just like this time.
The party thanked all its supporters and those who voted for its project of society, urging the elected president, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, to strengthen the Islamic identity, solve the problems threatening national unity, fight corruption and launch an inclusive national dialogue. He also called for a transparent investigation into the deaths of those arrested in Kaedi and the guarantee of the right to demonstrate peacefully.
Initial figures indicated that turnout in last weekend’s vote was slightly lower at 55.33%, according to data from the electoral commission. Despite criticism from his opponents, the president is very popular among Mauritanians, who see his government as an example of stability in a region marked by coups and jihadist violence. Likewise, Ghazouani, who is also president of the African Union, has managed to position his country as a strategic ally of the West in the midst of a deeply unstable Sahel, where countries such as Russia are increasing their influence.
However, the president also faces challenges such as poverty and lack of opportunities. According to the UN, almost 60% of the population lives in poverty, leading many young people to try to reach Europe or even the United States in search of a better life.
However, Mauritania is on the verge of becoming a gas producer with the launch of the BP-led Greater Tortue Ahmeyin offshore gas project on the border with Senegal. This project is expected to start later this year.
If you wish to read a summary of President Mohamed Ghazouani’s program for the next five years, please click here here >
The Government of the Canary Islands, through PROEXCA, has just announced the expansion of its Foreign Network with the opening of five representative offices in Washington, Berlin, London, Dakar and Madrid, considered strategic destinations with the aim of attracting investments and promoting Canary Islands companies abroad.
These new offices are in addition to those already established in Brussels and Casablanca -and in Praia through FUCAEX-, thus consolidating the presence in seven key countries for the internationalization of the Canary Islands economy.
This project has been promoted by Alfonso Cabello, president of Proexca; Gustavo González de Vega, vice-president of Proexca and Pablo Martín Carvajal, CEO of Proexca with the support of the President of the Government of the Canary Islands Fernando Clavijo.
These new destinations are in addition to Proexca’s historic commercial offices, such as those in Casablanca and Brussels, which are strategic points for strengthening commercial relations with neighboring countries in Africa, Europe and the United States.
The choice of these new destinations is based on strategic reasons to take advantage of the economic opportunities they offer for the Canary Islands. The delegation in Madrid is a priority to facilitate the expansion of Canary Islands companies to the Iberian Peninsula, as shown by the success of the Canarias Aporta program in the internationalization of Canary Islands SMEs.
In Africa, the addition of Dakar joins offices in Casablanca/Agadir and Praia, strengthening business relationships with growing markets such as Senegal, Gambia, Ghana and Ivory Coast.
In Europe, the offices in Berlin and London join the historic headquarters in Brussels to strengthen commercial relations in strategic sectors such as agri-food and technology, as well as to attract investment from countries such as Austria and the Netherlands.
The presence in Washington marks the company’s foray into the U.S. market, providing access to key multilateral organizations and opening up opportunities for growth sectors in the Canary Islands, such as audiovisual, aerospace and semiconductors.
In short, the expansion of this Foreign Network reflects the commitment of the Government of the Canary Islands to the internationalization and economic diversification of the islands through a strategic presence in key destinations for the development and international projection of Canary Islands companies.
For the CEO of Proexca, having these offices at the destination is essential. “The foreign network is born with the vocation of supporting the international activity of the Canary Islands, not only what depends directly on the Government, but of the Canary Islands in general. We coordinate among all of us to have a greater presence of the Islands at the international level. We are very pleased with the implementation of this Foreign Network, with the experience of the delegates appointed in each country and with the opening soon of a new office for Latin America in Bogota”, announced Martin Carbajal.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Sanchez congratulates Ghazouani on his re-election and highlights strategic partnership
“I congratulate you on your re-election to the presidency of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, as well as on the smooth conduct of the elections.” With these words, the head of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, began his congratulatory message addressed to the Mauritanian president-elect, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, on the occasion of his re-election. Sánchez stressed that Mauritania is a neighboring country, a partner and friend of Spain, and a key ally in the Maghreb and Sahel region. The bilateral relationship between the two countries is strategic in areas such as security, defense, border control and migration flows, and fisheries. “As I was able to see during my recent visit to Mauritania last February, of which I have excellent memories, the ties that unite our countries and our cooperation never cease to strengthen and intensify,” added Sanchez. He also reiterated Spain’s firm commitment to Mauritania, both bilaterally and within the framework of the European Union.
EU presents common implementation plan for migration and asylum pact
The European Commission presented the Common Implementation Plan for the Pact on Migration and Asylum, with the aim of implementing the new migration and asylum rules across the EU by June 2026. The plan includes 10 key pillars, ranging from border management and improving asylum procedures to promoting integration and solidarity among EU countries. This pact, which entered into force on June 11, 2024, seeks to manage migration in a fair and sustainable manner, guaranteeing the fundamental rights of migrants.
Mauritania tightens measures against illegal migration
Mauritania has passed a bill that toughens measures against illegal migration, including redirection to the border and temporary or permanent bans for violators. This law will allow the expulsion of migrants who enter the country without passing through official checkpoints. The country, which has signed agreements with the EU to combat illegal migration, also seeks to protect its borders from human trafficking. Mauritania has become a transit country for migrants from West Africa to Europe. Recently, the bodies of 80 people were recovered after the shipwreck of their boat near Ndiago.
Tragedy on the Atlantic coast of Mauritania: 89 migrants died in the crossing
In Rosso, Mauritania, the Coast Guard recovered the bodies of 89 clandestine migrants following the sinking of a traditional fishing cayuco on Monday, July 1, near the village of Kairouan. They also rescued nine people, including a 5-year-old girl. The boat, which had left the Senegalese-Gambian border for Europe six days ago, had 170 migrants on board. This tragedy underscores the extreme dangers faced by migrants in their search for better living conditions, traveling in overloaded and ill-equipped boats. Mauritanian authorities have launched an investigation and plan to reinforce security and coastal control measures to prevent future catastrophes.
Three protesters killed in Kaedi riots
The Ministry of Interior and Decentralization announced on Tuesday, July 2, in a statement, the death of three demonstrators following acts of looting and vandalism that occurred on Monday night in Kaédi, capital of the wilaya of Gorgol. Kaedi was the scene of violent acts of looting and vandalism targeting citizens, their property, public buildings and security forces. Law enforcement agencies were forced to arrest certain groups suspected of leading the demonstrations. Due to the sudden violence, the late hour and the high number of demonstrators, the security units detained the arrested persons at available locations. Unfortunately, under these circumstances, three demonstrators died: two died at the place of detention and the third died in hospital. The Ministry extended its condolences to the families and wished a speedy recovery to the officers injured in the protests. In addition, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation to determine the causes and circumstances of the deaths.
SECURITY AND MIGRATION
ADB approves $17 million grant to support agriculture and women’s entrepreneurship in Mauritania
The Banque Africaine de Développement (BAD) has approved a $17 million grant to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to support the Promotion of Gender-Sensitive Agricultural Value Chains and Female Entrepreneurship Project (PCVASGEF). This project, part of the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), aims to improve the productivity and value added of agricultural products, increase women’s incomes and promote female entrepreneurship in Mauritania. It includes the creation of year-round production centers, the management of new plots by women, and the establishment of local markets and storage units. It will directly benefit 22,200 households and about 90,000 people indirectly, mainly in the Brakna and Trarza regions.
Council of Ministers adopts draft law to strengthen financial crisis management
Mauritania’s Council of Ministers, chaired on Thursday, July 4 by President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, approved a bill granting robust tools to the Central Bank of Mauritania (BCM) to manage financial crises. This bill gives the bank reinforced powers to intervene early and coordinate resolutions that minimize the impact on financial stability, protecting depositors and public funds. In addition, bills on the regulation of immigration and the ratification of international agreements were approved, as well as various decrees on appointments and quality standards. The Council also congratulated the President on his re-election and thanked the election observers.
The portfolio of projects financed by the World Bank in Mauritania exceeds US$1 billion.
Mauritania’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development has revealed that the portfolio of projects financed by the World Bank in the country has exceeded US$1 billion. According to a statement issued during the farewell ceremony of Cristina Santos, World Bank representative in Mauritania, these funds have experienced a rapid evolution in the last four years, doubling their amount. In addition, the performance of the projects has improved significantly, moving from last place in the sub-region to first place today, according to the World Bank ranking, covering all sectors of economic development in Mauritania. Last year, the World Bank granted $36 million to Mauritania to support the social safety net, with the aim of improving the efficiency of the social protection system through programs such as Tekavoul and climate shock response mechanisms for vulnerable families.
EXCO GHA Mauritania publishes its annual report: Invest in Mauritania 2023
Exco GHA Mauritanie announces the publication of the guide “Investing in Mauritania 2024” This essential guide, produced by Exco GHA Mauritanie in partnership with Port de Tanit and CEM MAURITANIE, is now available. Inside you will find detailed information, valuable analysis and expert advice to optimize your investments in Mauritania.
Download your copy and share it with your colleagues and partners to foster growth and innovation in Mauritania.
ECONOMY AND FINANCE
Fishing season resumes in Mauritania
The Mauritanian Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy has announced that the biological halt ended on June 30, and the fishing season started on July 1. According to the ministerial decree, cephalopod fishing for traditional fishing started on July 1, vessels under 15 meters resumed their activities on July 3, and vessels over 15 meters started on July 5. Deep-sea fishing will begin on July 10. The biological moratorium, which usually lasts at least two years and can be extended depending on the state of the fisheries based on scientific advice from the Mauritanian Institute of Oceanographic and Fisheries Research, was adopted in the 1980s to allow the sale of fish production before the current biological moratorium was established in the late 1990s, which imposes the suspension of fishing activities in Mauritania’s nearly 230,000-square-kilometer exclusive economic zone.
FISHING AND BLUE ECONOMY
Morocco nearing completion of the highway connecting it to Mauritania
Morocco is nearing completion of a highway that will connect the country with Mauritania. This project, which aims to improve transportation infrastructure in the region, will facilitate trade and travel between the two countries, boosting economic development and regional integration. The new expressway will provide a faster and safer connection, strengthening ties between Morocco and Mauritania.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION
Morocco nearing completion of the highway connecting it to Mauritania
Morocco is nearing completion of a highway that will connect the country with Mauritania. This project, which aims to improve transportation infrastructure in the region, will facilitate trade and travel between the two countries, boosting economic development and regional integration. The new expressway will provide a faster and safer connection, strengthening ties between Morocco and Mauritania.
