Mauritania plans ambitious tramway project to improve mobility in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou
Mauritania’s Ministry of Equipment and Transport has announced the government’s intention to develop a tramway network project in the northern city of Nouadhibou. This news was revealed during the signing of a one-year extension of the memorandum of understanding with Arab Contractors to build a similar system in Nouakchott.
The extension will allow the addition of the tramway project in Nouadhibou to the ongoing discussions, seeking to secure the best possible funding offer. According to the ministry, the new tramway system will help solve mobility problems in both cities. The government had already extended the earlier agreement to facilitate a feasibility study by Arab Contractors, which requires three years of work. The company has submitted technical and financing proposals, including a 42-kilometer line in Nouakchott and two interconnected lines.
Transportation and infrastructure
CMA CGM strengthens services between Europe and West Africa, boosting exports from Nouadhibou.
The shipping company CMA CGM has strengthened its services between Europe and West Africa, with calls at the Spanish ports of Algeciras, Las Palmas and Valencia, as well as Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. As of October 10, Casablanca will be served exclusively by the Wazzan service, which will offer a weekly direct link to Dakar. In addition, Freetown will be transferred to the Medwax service, which connects Algeciras with several African cities, and a new service, Bijagos, will be launched, linking Algeciras with Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. Christophe Jourdan, general manager of CMA CGM in Mauritania, confirmed that the new service rotation will include calls at Banjul and Bissau, which will particularly boost exports from Nouadhibou. The network is also completed by the Euraf4 service, which starts at the Port of Valencia and covers various destinations in the region. .
OMVS High Commissioner, Mohamed Abdel Vettah, promotes key projects on the Senegal River
The High Commissioner of the Organization of the Mise en Valeur du fleuve Sénégal (OMVS), Mohamed Abdel Vettah, has recently concluded a successful high-level visit to the organization’s member countries, focusing on the acceleration of structuring projects for the development of the Senegal River. In his role as special envoy of Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, current chairman of the OMVS Conference of Heads of State and Government, Abdel Vettah delivered a message to the leaders of the member countries on the importance of advancing these strategic projects.
During his tour, which began in Bamako, Mali, on August 27, 2024, the High Commissioner met with the transitional president, Colonel Assimi Goïta. He then continued his mission in Guinea where, on August 28, he was received by the transitional Prime Minister, Bah Oury. During these meetings, key issues such as river navigation works and the construction of the Koukoutamba and Gourbassi hydroelectric power plants were discussed. The Guinean President pledged to intensify his country’s role in OMVS to strengthen cooperation in the region.
Abdel Vettah’s visit ended in Senegal, where he was received on August 29 by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. During this meeting, the importance of mobilizing financing for ongoing projects was stressed, including the crucial Koukoutamba hydroelectric dam project, which has a capacity of 294 megawatts. These actions seek not only to consolidate the development of the Senegal River, but also to benefit local populations throughout the region.
China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) Wins Major Contract for Sanitation Project in Nouakchott
China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), one of SINOMACH’s main subsidiaries and ranked among the 500 largest companies in the world, has been selected by the Chinese government to carry out a major sanitation project in Nouakchott, valued at $177 million. This contract represents the most significant and ambitious sanitation project ever undertaken in Mauritania.
The initiative, promoted by the Sinomach Group, seeks to foster international cooperation in infrastructure construction, production capacity and trade. The project not only aims to provide employment opportunities for Mauritanian youth, thus contributing to the reduction of unemployment, but also promises to improve the construction capacity and technical level of local workers in the sector, boosting the country’s economic development.
Founded in 1978, CMEC has established itself as China’s premier engineering and trading company. With more than 40 years of experience, it has evolved into an international company covering contract engineering and industrial development. CMEC offers comprehensive and customized solutions, ranging from pre-planning to construction, operation and maintenance of projects.
CMEC’s scope of operations is global, with a presence in 160 countries and regions, where it has carried out high-quality projects in sectors such as energy, water, environment, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation and industrial engineering, highlighting its contribution to the Belt and Road initiative. This new project in Mauritania represents a further step in its commitment to integrated regional development.
International Relations: Mauritania and Spain
Growing interest of Spanish companies in Mauritania
The growing interest of Spanish companies in Mauritania has been evident through recent trade missions, most notably the work of business leader Roberto Barros, who led a delegation of companies from the Tarragona Chamber of Commerce. Barros, recognized as one of the main drivers of investment in Africa, has spent years fostering trade relations on the continent, and interestingly, this was his first visit to Mauritania and demonstrates that Mauritania has managed to position itself on the international business map. The mission was supported on the ground by Nayra Delgado, president of the Mauritanian-Spanish Business Association (COEME), who has been instrumental in facilitating these initiatives.
Among the companies that visited Mauritania were:
- Rotogal SL: Represented by Sandra Nebril Balseiro, this Galician company specializes in the manufacture of plastic products by rotational molding, such as isothermal containers and pallets for the fishing and food industry. Sandra visited several companies in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou interested in their products, which come from Spain. More information on their website: Rotogal SL.
- Amiblu: Comprised of Antoine De Man and Ali Benhayoun, this Spanish company, based in Zaragoza with factories in Morocco, is a leader in the production of GRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester) pipes for various sectors, including sanitation and water treatment. After an intense agenda of visits, a clear need for their solutions in the local market was identified. More information on their website: Amiblu.
- Himexfil: Led by Jordi Subirana, this Catalan company manufactures polyester and cotton yarn for making bags for food products. Despite being a specific niche, its visit to Mauritania has presented opportunities to increase its exports. More information on their website: Himexfil.
- Uniconf: Represented by Judith Polo, this company from the Canary Islands is known for its candies and sweets, both sugared and sugar-free. Uniconf has started negotiations with local distributors in Nouakchott, intensifying its actions on the African continent. More information on their website: Uniconf.
With a firm commitment to building bridges between Spain and Mauritania, it is hoped that these companies will not only repeat their visit, but also inspire many more to join in this joint growth. The combination of investments in vocational training and growing business interest in Mauritania highlights the country’s potential as a significant business partner in the region, while addressing migration concerns in a comprehensive manner.
Furthermore, it is crucial that the exchange between the two countries extends beyond commercial aspects, also addressing migration challenges in a humane and efficient manner. This comprehensive approach is fundamental not only for the economy, but also for the strengthening of ties between the Spanish and Mauritanian communities, facilitating a future of collaboration and mutual growth.
Spain continues to strengthen ties with Mauritania, politically and commercially
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s visit to Mauritania at the end of August 2024 has deepened cooperation between the two countries, focusing on the growing migration crisis. Between January 1 and August 15, 2024, 31,155 arrivals were recorded on Spanish territory, representing an increase of 66% compared to the previous year. Of this figure, approximately 13,000 migrants have left Mauritanian shores, reflecting an alarming 6,000% increase over the same period in 2023. This increase, driven in part by migratory pressure from Malian refugees, has led Spanish authorities to reconsider their policies on immigration.
To address this situation, important agreements were signed during the visit that aim to more effectively manage migratory flows and promote legal immigration. Sanchez emphasized the need for strong cooperation to combat human trafficking and improve the living conditions of those seeking a better quality of life in Europe, through social and training policies in the destination country. Mauritania, as a country in full development, faces clear needs for professional labor that limit its economic growth, which presents challenges for Spanish companies interested in establishing or strengthening business relations in the country. At the same time, the Spanish government has increased its investment in vocational training to improve the Mauritanian workforce and reduce the outflow of migrants, which is in line with the growing interest of Spanish companies in the region.
During his visit, he announced the creation of 250,000 employment opportunities for legal immigrants from Mauritania in Spain to stem the rising tide of illegal immigration and promote legal channels for those wishing to migrate.
Sánchez stated that immigration “does not represent a problem” for Spain, but a question of moral principles, solidarity and dignity. He also stressed that the employment of migrant workers is essential for the Spanish economy, as it contributes to maintaining the pension system and social security.
During his tour of Africa, which included visits to Gambia and Senegal, Sanchez proposed legal migration alternatives and stressed the importance of “circular migration”, i.e., the recruitment of foreign workers in their countries of origin. Such agreements, already in place with Morocco and Senegal, are being extended to Gambia and Mauritania. While seeking to encourage legal migration, the Spanish authorities are aware of the increase in migratory pressure, with a 154% increase in arrivals to the Canary Islands in the first months of 2024, which has aggravated the crisis in this region.
Launching of the Spain-Mauritania Business Committee
At the end of August 2024, the presentation of the Spain-Mauritania Business Committee took place in Nouakchott, an event that brought together the presidents of the government of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mohamed El Ghazouani. This initiative, promoted by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and the Mauritanian Chamber of Commerce, with the support of Proexca – Government of the Canary Islands, aims to strengthen trade relations between the Canary Islands and Mauritania.
Pablo Carvajal, CEO of Proexca, was one of the main promoters of this initiative in the Canary Islands, while Mohamed Waled assumed a similar role in Mauritania. During the event, the importance of this committee to boost business projects, create jobs in Mauritania and contribute to the fight against emigration was highlighted.
The participation of business leaders and the collaboration between the two nations underline the commitment to work together in the search for new economic opportunities. A relevant fact is that 60% of Spanish exports to Mauritania come from the Canary Islands, highlighting the crucial role this region plays in bilateral trade and in the mutual development of the economies. This launch marks a significant step towards greater cooperation and sustainable development between Spain and Mauritania.
Energy and renewables
Ahmeyim” Project Submarine Installation Operations Completed
The Italian company “Rana Diving” and the French company “Bourbon” have successfully completed the installation of subsea pipelines in the liquefied natural gas project “Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA)”, located in the waters of Mauritania and Senegal.
The Rana company reported that, in collaboration with Bourbon, they conducted 150 days of continuous dives at depths ranging from 32 to 120 meters, working for Saipem and BP. The operations included critical activities, such as the installation of 30-inch coils and pipe completion assemblies, essential for the start of gas production.
More than 100 employees, including divers and engineers, participated in these operations, which were carried out under strict industrial safety standards. In this way, Rana and Bourbon have contributed significantly to the realization of this complex marine infrastructure project.
Mauritania reaffirms commitment to energy transition
Environment Minister Massouda bint Bahham Ould Mohamed Laghdaf reaffirmed Mauritania’s commitment to the energy transition during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He highlighted the country’s initiatives to double renewable energy production by 2030 under the Global Decarbonization Acceleration Program, which requires an investment of $4.7 billion. Replacing fossil energy with renewables is essential to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, requiring a mobilization of financial resources and a technological transformation, key themes of the upcoming Conference of the Parties on climate.
AMAM Announces Reconnaissance Study in Lévrier Bay for Green Hydrogen Project
On September 4, 2024, the Mauritanian Agency for Maritime Affairs (AMAM) issued an urgent communiqué informing about the deployment of the vessel Norse, operated by the US company CWP Global, in the framework of a reconnaissance survey in Lévrier Bay, related to the development of the AMAN green hydrogen project.
The AMAM notice states that the area will be considered a temporary exclusion area for at least one month, urging other mariners to keep their distance. All vessels are to be redirected and are asked not to approach the Norse while the mission is underway.
The Norse, which sails under the Panamanian flag, is 23 meters long and 4 meters wide. However, there has been criticism of the directive, as some actors in the fishing sector claim that they have not been informed or consulted regarding the Norse’s activity in the bay.
It should be recalled that in 2021, Mauritania and CWP Global signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a Power To X project in the country with a capacity of 30 GW (30,000 MW), with an estimated total investment of US$40 billion. This new green hydrogen project marks a significant step forward in Mauritania’s efforts to diversify its energy matrix and promote a more sustainable future.
Environment and climate change
The Great Green Wall promotes the creation of a national group to monitor biodiversity in Nouakchott
The Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, hosted a workshop in August 2024 to establish a national biodiversity monitoring group, as part of the Great Green Wall continental program. This ambitious project, launched by the African Union in 2007, aims to combat desertification and restore biodiversity in eleven African countries, including Mauritania. The Great Green Wall stretches over 8,000 kilometers, from Senegal in the west to Djibouti in the east, and seeks to curb the expansion of the Sahara desert and improve food security in the affected regions.
In Mauritania, the Great Green Wall encompasses six wilayas, including Trarza, Tagant, Brakna, Assaba and the Hodhs. This green corridor is more than 1,000 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide, and aims to restore and reforest degraded lands, promoting biodiversity and providing alternative livelihoods for local communities. The initiative seeks not only to mitigate the effects of climate change and desertification, but also to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, ensuring a sustainable approach to natural resource management. .
Art and culture
Abderrahmane Sissako: The Mauritanian Director Portraying an Africa Unknown to Europe
Abderrahmane Sissako, known for his Oscar nomination for “Timbuktu,” returns with “Black Tea,” a love story between an African migrant and the owner of an infusion store in Canton, China. The film explores the search for freedom and happiness, blurring the boundaries between Africa and Asia.
The plot follows Aya, a young Ivorian girl who leaves her home behind to start a new life, where she becomes involved in tea ceremonies and begins a romance with Cai, the store owner. “Black Tea” stands out for its attention to visual and sonic detail, creating a thought-provoking atmosphere about human harmony and openness to happiness.
The film was produced by Cinéfrance Studios and Archipel 35 of France, and Dune Vision of Mauritania, among others. Sissako’s work seeks to capture cultural encounters in a globalized world, raising questions about love and the past.
Justice and laws
The National Assembly of Mauritania Approves a Specialized Jurisdiction Against Slavery and Human Trafficking
The National Assembly of Mauritania has approved a bill establishing a specialized jurisdiction in the fight against slavery, human trafficking and illegal smuggling of migrants. The Minister of Justice, Mohamed Mahmoud Abdallah Boya, explained that this measure seeks to improve the implementation of law n° 2015-031, which prohibits slavery.
However, some parliamentarians expressed concerns about moving courts to the regions where infractions occur, suggesting that this could affect the quality of decisions. The need to reduce case processing times and provide ongoing training for judges was also discussed.
The approval of this law represents an important step in the fight against these serious crimes, although its implementation will require continued attention and dialogue to ensure the protection of human rights.
Agriculture and livestock
Government of Mauritania Announces Loans to Improve Agricultural Irrigation
The Mauritanian government has announced a study to identify a loan for agricultural irrigation to promote and increase local production.
During a recent meeting with sector officials, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Moma Ould Beïbatt, stressed the importance of adequate infrastructure for the preservation of products, mentioning that without these shortcomings, the products of the last agricultural season could have met the needs of local markets for several months.
The minister specified that his department has mobilized all available resources, including the reduction of tariffs, the supply of agricultural inputs of sufficient quality and quantity, the fight against agricultural pests and the improvement of access to production areas.
Ould Beïbatt also emphasized the importance of establishing a continuous dialogue with local farmers to achieve food sovereignty and strengthen the country’s agricultural production.
Mauritanian watermelon triumphs in European markets
Mauritanian watermelon is gaining prominence in European markets, challenging countries traditionally known for their citrus production. This product, like fish, is positioning itself on the shelves of large supermarkets in Europe, highlighting the growth of the Mauritanian offer.
Despite criticisms related to the risk of “monoculture”, watermelon has allowed Mauritania to position itself as the third supplier of this fruit in Spain, reaching 10.15% of the volume of imports. According to data from Comtrade, the UN statistics division, the average price per kilo of watermelon in this period has stood at 0.67 euros, although the Spanish market is still dominated by Moroccan producers (65.35%) and Senegalese (16.11%).
On its way to consolidation in Europe, Mauritanian watermelon has managed to establish itself in the French market, where 30,880 tons have been sold, positioning the country in third place in imports of this fruit, behind Morocco and Spain, which ranked first and second with 121,910 and 99,220 tons, respectively. In France, a kilo of watermelon is traded at 0.81 euros, while Dutch producers offer the best price in Europe at 0.83 euros.
As competition for these export products grows, it is suggested that policymakers should more strongly support the efforts of domestic producers. Globally, the main importers of watermelon are the Netherlands, with an average price of 0.83 euros per kilo, followed by France and the United Kingdom, with 0.81 and 0.77 euros, respectively.
New Projects
Upgrading of drinking water supply in Nouakchott
The Minister of Water and Sewerage presented a report on the strategies planned to eliminate recurrent water shortage problems in the capital, especially during the rainy season.
Development of connectivity in border areas
Phases 2 and 3 of a project aimed at ensuring 2G/4G electronic communication services in areas ranging from Ould Yenje to N’Beiket Lahwach were launched, which will require the installation of more than a hundred sites to ensure adequate coverage.
Draft law to modernize capital markets in Mauritania.
Mauritania’s Council of Ministers has examined and approved a draft law aimed at modernizing the country’s capital markets. This initiative aims to establish the legal basis for developing a national financial industry to facilitate the financing of economic operators. It also seeks to attract national and international investors by offering them reliable financial infrastructure for their investments.
Economics and Finance
World Bank report highlights Mauritania’s economic stability despite structural challenges
The seventh edition of the World Bank’s report on the economic situation in Mauritania reveals that, despite a decline in the economic growth rate in 2023, lower inflation and improved fiscal and external balances have strengthened the country’s macroeconomic stability. Although growth has moderated, it still exceeds the world and sub-Saharan African averages.
According to the report, inflation has declined more than expected, falling from 9.6% in 2022 to 5% in 2023, thanks to falling food and oil prices, as well as tight monetary policy. However, Mauritania faces structural challenges that constrain its long-term growth, such as limited human capital development. The report warns of low human capital utilization, with projections indicating that children born in the country today will only be able to exploit 15% of their human capital potential by the age of 18.
Senior economist for Mauritania, Urbain Thierry Yogo, emphasizes the need for the country to continue to optimize the use of its human capital and develop strategies for resilience to climate, economic and social shocks. The report’s recommendations include improving education, reducing gender inequalities and establishing more inclusive economic policies, as well as adopting a prudent fiscal framework in anticipation of gas production and facilitating the integration of women and youth into the labor market.
Mauritania’s Population Increases to 4.9 Million Inhabitants
The total population of Mauritania in 2023 is 4,927,532 inhabitants, including foreigners, according to the Minister of Economy and Finance, Sid’Ahmed Ould Bouh, who presented the figures derived from the General Population and Housing Census 2024. Ten years ago, the population was 3,537,368.
The minister stressed that this data will serve as a tool for decision-making in the formulation of public policies and will be accessible to researchers through a new electronic platform to be launched next week.
In addition, Ould Bouh indicated that 53% of the population is under 20 years of age and that women represent 51% of the total, slightly outnumbering men. He also noted that the rural population has decreased, with most people residing in areas with at least 5,000 inhabitants.
Finally, the minister highlighted the rigor and transparency of the fifth census, which is conducted every ten years, and announced that several investigations are underway to make the most of this data.
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