Economy Of Mauritania

The economy of Mauritania in 2006 remained predominantly anchored in the sectors of agriculture, mining, and livestock, which continued to serve as the backbone of the nation’s economic activities. This economic structure persisted despite significant demographic transformations that had unfolded over previous decades. Notably, recurring droughts during the 1970s and 1980s had profound social and economic consequences, compelling large numbers of nomadic herders and subsistence farmers to abandon their traditional rural livelihoods. These environmental stresses forced many to migrate toward urban centers in search of alternative means of survival, thereby accelerating urbanization and altering the demographic landscape of Mauritania. This shift not only affected the distribution of the population but also placed increased pressure on urban infrastructure and services, while simultaneously challenging the sustainability of rural agricultural and pastoral practices. Mauritania is endowed with extensive iron ore deposits, which historically represented a cornerstone of the country’s export economy. At one point, iron ore accounted for nearly 50% of Mauritania’s total exports, underscoring its critical role in generating foreign exchange and supporting national development. The mining of iron ore, particularly from the rich deposits in the northern region around Zouérat, had long been a major economic driver. However, fluctuations in the global commodities market, especially a decline in worldwide demand for iron ore, precipitated reductions in production levels. This downturn in demand led to economic adjustments within the mining sector, as the country sought to manage the impacts of lower export revenues and to diversify its mineral output to mitigate vulnerability to external market shocks. In response to the challenges posed by the iron ore market, Mauritania experienced renewed interest in the development of other mineral resources, particularly gold and copper. Rising metal prices in the early 2000s provided an impetus for investment in exploration and mining activities targeting these metals. Consequently, new mining operations were established in the interior regions of the country, where significant deposits of gold and copper had been identified. These developments not only diversified the mineral sector but also contributed to the expansion of the mining industry’s contribution to the national economy. The growth of gold and copper mining operations reflected a strategic shift aimed at capitalizing on favorable global market conditions and enhancing Mauritania’s position as a mineral-rich country. The coastal waters of Mauritania are internationally recognized as some of the richest fishing grounds in the world, owing to the nutrient-rich upwelling zones along the Atlantic coast. These marine resources have historically constituted a vital source of national revenue and employment, supporting both artisanal and commercial fisheries. However, the sustainability of this sector has been increasingly threatened by overexploitation, particularly by foreign fishing fleets operating under various licensing arrangements. The intensive harvesting of fish stocks by these external entities has raised concerns about the depletion of marine resources, potentially undermining the long-term viability of the fishing industry. This overfishing not only jeopardizes the economic benefits derived from the sector but also poses ecological risks to the marine environment, necessitating the implementation of more effective management and conservation measures. In 1986, Mauritania took a significant step in enhancing its maritime infrastructure by inaugurating its first deep-water port near the capital city, Nouakchott. This development marked a critical milestone in improving the country’s capacity to handle maritime trade and export activities. The establishment of the deep-water port facilitated more efficient loading and unloading of goods, particularly bulk commodities such as iron ore and fish products, thereby reducing transportation costs and transit times. The port’s strategic location near Nouakchott also helped to integrate the capital more closely into international trade networks, supporting economic growth and diversification. This infrastructure investment underscored the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s logistical capabilities and strengthening its position in regional and global markets. Despite these economic assets and developments, Mauritania faced considerable challenges in the late 20th century that constrained its economic progress. Periodic droughts continued to affect agricultural productivity and food security, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of rural populations. Additionally, poor economic management during this period undermined efforts to achieve sustainable growth and fiscal stability. These factors contributed to the accumulation of a growing foreign debt burden, which placed further strain on the country’s financial resources and limited its ability to invest in development priorities. The combination of environmental shocks and governance issues highlighted the need for comprehensive economic reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and promote sustainable development. In response to these challenges, the Mauritanian government sought assistance from international financial institutions. In March 1999, it entered into an agreement with a joint mission from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to implement a $54 million Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF). This program was designed to support Mauritania’s efforts to stabilize its economy, improve fiscal management, and undertake structural reforms. The ESAF agreement provided a framework for financial assistance contingent upon the government’s commitment to specific policy measures aimed at enhancing economic performance and reducing vulnerabilities. This collaboration reflected the broader trend of structural adjustment programs implemented in many developing countries during the 1990s, which emphasized liberalization, fiscal discipline, and institutional reform. The ESAF agreement outlined a series of economic objectives to be pursued over the period from 1999 to 2002, focusing on structural reforms and fiscal stabilization. Key targets included reducing budget deficits, controlling inflation, and improving the efficiency of public expenditures. The program also emphasized the need to strengthen the financial sector, enhance governance, and promote private sector development. These objectives were intended to create a more conducive environment for investment and growth, while addressing the underlying causes of economic instability. The structural reforms envisaged under the ESAF aimed to modernize the Mauritanian economy, making it more competitive and resilient to external shocks. Privatization emerged as a critical component of the economic reform agenda during this period, reflecting the government’s commitment to restructuring the economy and reducing the role of the public sector. The privatization program targeted state-owned enterprises across various sectors, including mining, utilities, and transportation, with the goal of improving efficiency, attracting investment, and fostering private sector-led growth. This approach was consistent with the broader structural adjustment policies promoted by international financial institutions, which advocated for market-oriented reforms as a pathway to sustainable development. The implementation of privatization measures was intended to enhance the performance of key industries, reduce fiscal burdens associated with loss-making enterprises, and stimulate economic diversification. However, the process also required careful management to address social concerns and ensure equitable outcomes.

The gross domestic product (GDP) of Mauritania at market prices, as estimated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), exhibited substantial growth over the latter part of the 20th century and into the early 21st century when measured in millions of Mauritanian Ouguiyas. In 1980, the GDP stood at 37,211 million Ouguiyas, reflecting the economic scale of the country at that time. By 1985, this figure had increased to 60,197 million Ouguiyas, indicating a significant expansion in economic activity within just five years. The upward trajectory continued through the 1990s, with the GDP reaching 97,819 million Ouguiyas in 1990 and then rising sharply to 158,443 million Ouguiyas by 1995. The turn of the millennium saw further acceleration, as the GDP more than doubled to 258,245 million Ouguiyas in 2000. By 2005, the economy had expanded dramatically, with the GDP reaching 514,642 million Ouguiyas, underscoring a period of rapid economic growth and structural changes within Mauritania’s economy. Concurrently, the exchange rate of the Mauritanian Ouguiya against the United States Dollar experienced a marked depreciation over the same period. In 1980, the exchange rate was 45.93 Ouguiyas per US Dollar, but by 1985, it had increased to 77.07 Ouguiyas per Dollar, reflecting a weakening of the national currency. This trend of depreciation persisted through the 1990s and early 2000s, with the exchange rate reaching 80.64 in 1990 and then rising sharply to 129.76 Ouguiyas per Dollar in 1995. The year 2000 witnessed a further significant devaluation, with the exchange rate climbing to 240.00 Ouguiyas per Dollar. By 2005, the currency had depreciated even more, trading at 265.55 Ouguiyas per Dollar. This sustained depreciation of the Ouguiya against the US Dollar over a quarter-century reflects underlying macroeconomic challenges, including inflationary pressures and balance of payments constraints. Inflation in Mauritania, as measured by an index with the base year set at 2000 (index = 100), demonstrated persistent upward movement during the same timeframe. In 1980, the inflation index was at a relatively low level of 23, but it increased to 36 by 1985, signaling rising price levels. The inflationary trend continued through the 1990s, with the index reaching 52 in 1990 and climbing further to 73 by 1995. The base year 2000 was normalized to 100, providing a benchmark for subsequent inflation measurement. By 2005, the inflation index had surged to 144, indicating that prices had increased by 44% relative to the year 2000. This persistent inflationary trend over the 25-year period points to structural economic issues, including currency depreciation and supply-side constraints, which contributed to the erosion of purchasing power. Mauritania’s GDP per capita experienced significant fluctuations across the decades, reflecting varying phases of economic development and challenges. During the 1960s, the country saw an impressive 82% growth in GDP per capita, a period characterized by post-independence economic expansion and resource development. This growth accelerated in the 1970s, with GDP per capita increasing by 166%, marking the highest growth phase in the country’s recent economic history. However, this rapid expansion proved unsustainable, as the 1980s witnessed a sharp slowdown to just 14% growth in GDP per capita. The 1990s were even more challenging, with GDP per capita contracting by 29%, reflecting economic difficulties including droughts, declining commodity prices, and structural adjustment programs that affected overall economic performance and living standards. Labor income levels in Mauritania during the late 2000s can be partially gauged by the mean wage recorded in 2009, which stood at $0.97 per man-hour. This figure provides insight into the average earnings of workers and reflects the relatively low wage levels characteristic of Mauritania’s labor market at the time. Such wage levels are indicative of the broader economic conditions, including limited industrialization, reliance on subsistence agriculture and informal sectors, and the challenges faced in improving labor productivity and income distribution. Key economic indicators from 1990 through 2024 illustrate the trajectory of Mauritania’s economy in both nominal and purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. The GDP in billion US dollars (PPP) rose markedly from 5.76 billion in 1990 to an estimated 37.29 billion in 2024, demonstrating substantial growth in the country’s economic output when adjusted for price level differences. Correspondingly, GDP per capita (PPP) increased from $2,886 in 1990 to an estimated $8,233 in 2024, reflecting improvements in average living standards and economic productivity over the period. In nominal terms, Mauritania’s GDP also expanded significantly, growing from $1.79 billion in 1990 to an estimated $10.76 billion in 2024. This nominal growth underscores the overall enlargement of the economy in current dollar terms, influenced by factors such as inflation, exchange rate movements, and real economic expansion. Real GDP growth rates in Mauritania have exhibited considerable volatility over the years, reflecting the country’s exposure to external shocks and internal economic dynamics. The mid-1990s saw robust economic performance, with a notable 9.8% growth rate recorded in 1995, driven by favorable commodity prices and increased investment. However, the year 2000 marked a contraction of −3.9%, highlighting the economy’s vulnerability to adverse conditions such as droughts and fluctuations in global markets. The subsequent years saw a remarkable recovery, with growth peaking at 18.3% in 2006, a period characterized by strong mining sector expansion and increased foreign direct investment. The 2010s experienced more moderate growth rates, generally ranging between 4% and 6%, reflecting a phase of stabilization and gradual diversification. The global economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a slight contraction of −0.4% in 2020, but the economy rebounded with growth rates of 6.8% in 2022 and 6.5% in 2023, signaling resilience and recovery efforts. Inflation rates in Mauritania have varied considerably over the past few decades, influenced by domestic and international economic factors. In 1995, inflation was recorded at 6.5%, reflecting moderate price increases amid economic growth. The early 2000s saw higher inflationary pressures, peaking at 12.1% in 2005, which coincided with currency depreciation and rising global commodity prices. The subsequent decade witnessed a general decline in inflation rates, with most years in the 2010s and early 2020s experiencing inflation under 10%, indicating improved macroeconomic management and relative price stability. Notably, inflation fell to a low of 0.5% in 2015, reflecting subdued demand and stable prices. Projections for 2024 estimate inflation at 2.7%, suggesting continued efforts to maintain price stability in the face of global economic uncertainties. Government debt as a percentage of GDP in Mauritania has shown significant fluctuations, reflecting changes in fiscal policy, borrowing needs, and economic conditions. In 2000, government debt stood at 55.5% of GDP, a level that rose sharply to 71.1% by 2005, indicating increased borrowing possibly linked to investment in infrastructure and social programs. The debt burden then declined to 38.0% in 2006, reflecting debt relief initiatives, improved fiscal management, or economic growth outpacing debt accumulation. In the years that followed, government debt fluctuated between 40% and 60% of GDP, illustrating ongoing fiscal challenges and adjustments. Projections indicate a gradual reduction to 44.2% by 2024, suggesting efforts to manage debt sustainability and maintain fiscal discipline amid economic expansion. The data collectively reflect Mauritania’s economic volatility over recent decades, characterized by periods of rapid growth, economic contractions, inflationary pressures, and fluctuating government debt levels. These trends highlight the complex challenges faced by the country in stabilizing its macroeconomic environment while pursuing development goals. The interplay of external shocks, such as commodity price fluctuations and global economic downturns, alongside internal structural factors, including currency depreciation and fiscal management, has shaped Mauritania’s economic trajectory. Despite these challenges, the country has made notable progress in expanding its economic base, improving living standards, and managing inflation and debt levels, laying a foundation for continued growth and development.

In 2007, the mining sector emerged as a dominant force within Mauritania’s economy, accounting for well over 35 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. This substantial contribution underscored the nation’s heavy reliance on mineral extraction industries, which included the exploitation of iron ore, copper, gold, and other valuable minerals. The prominence of mining was rooted in Mauritania’s rich natural resource endowment, which had historically driven economic growth and foreign investment. However, this concentration also exposed the economy to fluctuations in global commodity prices, rendering it vulnerable to external shocks. The mining sector’s expansion was accompanied by increased infrastructure development, including transportation and port facilities, aimed at supporting export activities and attracting further investment. Simultaneously, the fish industry played an even more critical role in the Mauritanian economy, accounting for as much as 54 percent of economic activity in the same year. This sector’s significance was tied to Mauritania’s extensive Atlantic coastline and rich marine biodiversity, which supported a vibrant fishing industry encompassing both artisanal and industrial operations. Fisheries not only contributed substantially to GDP but also provided employment to a large segment of the population, particularly in coastal communities. The sector’s economic weight reflected its dual function as a source of export revenues and domestic food supply, although the latter was limited by the country’s overall food import dependency. The fish industry’s dominance highlighted the country’s comparative advantage in marine resources, positioning it as a key player in regional and international seafood markets. Throughout this period, there were notable shifts in the power relationship between the mining and fish industries, illustrating dynamic changes in their relative economic influence. While mining had traditionally been viewed as the backbone of Mauritania’s economy, the fish sector’s rapid growth and substantial contribution to GDP challenged this perception. These shifts were influenced by factors such as fluctuating commodity prices, changes in global demand for minerals and seafood, and government policies aimed at promoting sustainable exploitation of natural resources. The evolving balance between these two sectors reflected broader trends in the country’s economic structure, with implications for employment patterns, regional development, and fiscal revenues. The interplay between mining and fisheries underscored the complexity of managing resource-dependent economies in the face of environmental constraints and market volatility. Despite the prominence of mining and fisheries, economic diversification into non-mining industries remained a persistent long-term challenge for Mauritania. Efforts to broaden the economic base sought to reduce the country’s heavy dependency on extractive sectors, which were susceptible to external shocks and environmental degradation. Diversification initiatives aimed at developing agriculture, manufacturing, services, and tourism faced numerous obstacles, including limited infrastructure, low human capital development, and institutional constraints. The government recognized that sustainable economic growth required fostering new industries capable of generating employment and increasing resilience to commodity price fluctuations. However, progress in diversification was slow, reflecting structural impediments and the entrenched dominance of mining and fishing sectors. This ongoing challenge highlighted the need for comprehensive policy reforms and investment in education, technology, and infrastructure to support a more balanced and inclusive economic development. Mauritania’s vulnerability in food self-sufficiency further complicated its economic landscape, as the country remained a net importer of food. Reports indicated that approximately 70 percent of domestic food requirements were met through imports, underscoring a significant dependence on external sources to satisfy basic nutritional needs. This reliance stemmed from factors such as arid climatic conditions, limited arable land, and underdeveloped agricultural practices, which constrained domestic food production. The high import dependency exposed Mauritania to risks associated with global food price volatility and supply chain disruptions, posing challenges for food security and economic stability. Addressing this vulnerability required concerted efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, improve water management, and promote sustainable farming techniques. The interplay between food import dependency and economic diversification highlighted the broader imperative of building a resilient economy capable of supporting the population’s well-being amid environmental and market uncertainties.

In 2015, Kosmos Energy achieved a major milestone with the discovery of substantial natural gas reserves along the maritime border shared by Senegal and Mauritania. These discoveries marked a pivotal moment for the region’s energy landscape, revealing significant hydrocarbon potential in an area previously underexplored for offshore gas resources. The findings prompted increased interest from international energy companies and regional governments alike, as the prospect of harnessing these reserves promised to transform the economic prospects of both countries. Building on this momentum, in December 2016, Kosmos Energy formalized a strategic partnership with British Petroleum (BP) to jointly develop the newly identified natural gas fields. This collaboration brought together Kosmos Energy’s pioneering exploration experience and BP’s extensive expertise in large-scale project development and operations. The alliance was structured to leverage the strengths of both companies, aiming to maximize the efficient extraction and commercialization of the gas resources while ensuring adherence to international standards of safety and environmental stewardship. The partnership extended beyond the two corporate entities, encompassing a consortium that included the governments of Mauritania and Senegal as well as the national oil companies of both nations. This inclusive framework was designed to foster regional cooperation and ensure that the benefits of the gas development would be shared equitably among all stakeholders. The involvement of the national oil companies also signified a strategic move to build local capacity and integrate domestic expertise into the project’s operational framework, thereby enhancing the long-term sustainability and economic impact of the venture. The consortium expressed considerable optimism regarding the potential of the gas discoveries concentrated in the Grand Tortue/Ahmeyim field, which straddles the maritime boundary between the two countries. This field emerged as the centerpiece of the project due to its substantial reserves and strategic location, making it a critical asset in the region’s energy portfolio. The collaborative efforts of the consortium focused on advancing the technical and commercial aspects of the field’s development, with the goal of unlocking its full potential to supply both domestic and international markets. Estimates of the Grand Tortue/Ahmeyim field’s reserves indicated approximately 15 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, positioning it among the largest offshore gas discoveries in West Africa. This volume of reserves underscored the field’s capacity to serve as a significant source of energy for the region and beyond, potentially catalyzing economic growth and energy security for Mauritania and Senegal. The magnitude of the reserves also attracted the attention of global energy markets, highlighting the field’s potential role in diversifying gas supply sources. BP highlighted the significance of the 15 trillion cubic feet of natural gas by equating it to the entirety of Africa’s current gas production sustained over nearly seven years. This comparison illustrated the transformative scale of the discovery, emphasizing how the Grand Tortue/Ahmeyim project could substantially augment the continent’s gas output. The implication of such a vast resource base extended beyond mere production figures, suggesting opportunities for regional industrial development, export revenues, and enhanced geopolitical influence in the global energy arena. The production phase of the Grand Tortue/Ahmeyim project was scheduled to commence in 2022, marking a critical transition from exploration and development to active gas extraction. This timeline reflected the complex preparatory work required to bring the field online, including the construction of offshore platforms, subsea infrastructure, and onshore processing facilities. The planned start date also aligned with strategic market considerations, aiming to position the project to meet growing regional and international demand for natural gas. Initial production was projected to begin at an annual rate of 2.3 million tons of natural gas, representing a significant output that would contribute to both domestic energy needs and export capacity. This volume of production was expected to support the development of local industries, provide cleaner energy alternatives, and generate substantial fiscal revenues for Mauritania and Senegal. The phased approach to production allowed for the gradual ramp-up of operations, enabling the consortium to optimize performance, manage risks, and adapt to evolving market conditions as the project matured.

In February 2006, the newly established government of Mauritania publicly repudiated a series of amendments to an oil contract that had been negotiated and signed under the administration of former President Maaouya Ould Sid’Ahmed Taya. These amendments involved Woodside Petroleum, an Australian oil company that had entered into a significant agreement with Mauritania concerning the development of its offshore oil resources. The government’s denunciation centered on concerns that the contract modifications had been executed in a manner inconsistent with established legal and procedural norms, thereby causing substantial harm to the country’s economic interests. Woodside Petroleum had initially committed in 2004 to invest approximately US$600 million in the development of the Chinguetti offshore oil project, a major hydrocarbon venture situated off Mauritania’s Atlantic coast. This investment was anticipated to catalyze the exploitation of the Chinguetti oil field, which had been discovered in 2001 and was estimated to contain proven reserves of around 120 million barrels (19 million cubic meters) of oil. The project was of significant strategic and economic importance to Mauritania, as it represented one of the country’s first major forays into commercial oil production and was expected to generate substantial revenue streams. The contract amendments that provoked the government’s denunciation were characterized by Mauritanian authorities as having been signed “outside the legal framework of normal practice, to the great detriment of our country.” According to reports by BBC News, these amendments had the potential to cost Mauritania up to US$200 million annually in lost revenue. The gravity of these financial implications underscored the government’s position that the amendments had been detrimental to national economic interests and had compromised the equitable sharing of oil profits between the state and the foreign investors. These contested amendments were executed by Woodside Petroleum shortly after the passage of enabling legislation on February 1, 2005. This legislation authorized four specific contract amendments that Woodside subsequently signed two weeks later. The timing of these amendments, closely following legislative approval, raised questions about the transparency and propriety of the negotiation process. Key provisions within the amendments included a reduction in the Mauritanian state’s share of profit oil, a 15 percent tax reduction applicable in certain designated zones, a relaxation of environmental regulations governing the project, and an extension of the duration and scope of Woodside’s monopoly over exploitation and exploration activities in the area. The reduction in the state’s share of profit oil effectively diminished Mauritania’s direct financial benefit from the oil extracted, while the tax reductions decreased the fiscal burden on Woodside and its partners, thereby reducing government revenues. The relaxation of environmental regulations was particularly contentious, as it potentially compromised safeguards designed to protect the marine and coastal ecosystems surrounding the offshore oil fields. The extension of Woodside’s monopoly further entrenched the company’s dominant position in Mauritania’s hydrocarbon sector, limiting opportunities for other firms to participate in exploration and exploitation activities. The disputed amendments were signed by Zeidane Ould Hmeida, who served as Mauritania’s Oil Minister under the Ould Taya administration. These signatures occurred in two separate instances: the first in February 2004 and the second in March 2005. Zeidane’s role in concluding these agreements became a focal point of controversy following the change in government. In January 2006, he was arrested on charges alleging the commission of “serious crimes against the country’s essential economic interests.” The arrest was part of a broader effort by the new government to address perceived corruption and mismanagement associated with the previous regime’s handling of the country’s natural resource contracts. Following the public denunciation of the contract amendments and the arrest of Zeidane Ould Hmeida, authorities in Nouakchott indicated that the Mauritanian government was likely to seek resolution of the dispute through international arbitration. This approach was considered necessary due to the complex legal and financial dimensions of the contract disagreements and the involvement of foreign investors. Woodside Petroleum also contemplated pursuing arbitration as a means to defend its contractual rights and investments. The prospect of international arbitration underscored the challenges faced by resource-rich developing countries in balancing the attraction of foreign investment with the protection of national interests. Woodside Petroleum operated the Chinguetti project on behalf of a consortium comprising several international oil companies. This consortium included Hardman, BG Group, Premier Oil, ROC Oil, Fusion, Petronas, Dana Petroleum, Energy Africa, and the Hydrocarbons Mauritanian Society (SMHPM), the latter being the state-owned entity responsible for Mauritania’s interests in the petroleum sector. The participation of multiple companies reflected the scale and complexity of the project, as well as the need for substantial capital and technical expertise to develop offshore oil fields in challenging environments. The Chinguetti oil field itself was discovered in 2001 and represented Mauritania’s most significant hydrocarbon find to date. With proven reserves estimated at approximately 120 million barrels, the field held considerable promise for generating export revenues and stimulating economic growth. By the end of December 2005, Mauritanian authorities projected that oil profits for the year 2006 would amount to 47 billion ouguiyas, which was roughly equivalent to US$180 million at that time. This revenue was expected to constitute about one-quarter of the national state budget, highlighting the critical role of oil income in the country’s fiscal framework. These projections were reported by Radio France Internationale (RFI), emphasizing the importance of the Chinguetti project to Mauritania’s economic planning. Amid the controversies surrounding the contract amendments and governance of the oil sector, allegations emerged implicating some U.S. oil companies in Mauritania’s oil-related corruption issues. Although specific details and companies involved were not extensively documented in public sources, these allegations contributed to a broader narrative of challenges faced by Mauritania in managing its natural resource wealth transparently and effectively. Such allegations underscored the difficulties in ensuring that foreign investment and resource exploitation translated into equitable and sustainable development outcomes for the country. Together, these developments illustrate the complex interplay between governance, foreign investment, legal frameworks, and economic interests in Mauritania’s nascent oil industry during the early 2000s. The dispute with Woodside Petroleum and the associated contract controversies highlighted the challenges faced by Mauritania in asserting sovereign control over its natural resources while engaging with multinational corporations in a highly competitive global energy market.

Mauritania’s total electricity generating capacity amounts to 380 megawatts (MW), reflecting the country’s efforts to meet the growing demand for electrical power across its urban and rural areas. Within this overall capacity, a significant majority—263 MW—is produced from fossil fuel sources, primarily through thermal power plants that rely on diesel and heavy fuel oil. These conventional energy sources have historically formed the backbone of the nation’s electricity supply, providing a relatively stable but environmentally impactful means of generation. However, the reliance on fossil fuels also exposes Mauritania to fluctuations in global fuel prices and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, prompting the government and stakeholders to explore alternative energy options. Renewable energy sources contribute 117 MW to Mauritania’s electricity generating capacity, representing a substantial portion of the total and signaling a strategic shift towards cleaner and more sustainable power generation. Among the renewable options, solar energy holds particular promise due to the country’s climatic conditions. Mauritania experiences abundant sunshine throughout the year, with high solar irradiance levels that create highly favorable conditions for solar power generation. The vast stretches of desert and semi-desert landscapes receive intense and consistent sunlight, making solar photovoltaic (PV) technology an efficient and viable solution to diversify the energy mix and enhance energy security. In 2016, Mauritania took a significant step in expanding its renewable energy infrastructure by installing eight solar power plants with a combined capacity of 16.6 MW. These installations marked a milestone in the country’s renewable energy development, contributing to the diversification of the electricity sector and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. The solar plants were strategically distributed to maximize the utilization of solar resources and to supply electricity to areas that previously faced limited or unreliable access to power. This expansion also aligned with broader regional and international goals to increase renewable energy penetration in Africa, addressing both environmental concerns and energy access challenges. The installation of these solar power plants received crucial support from Masdar, a renewable energy company based in the United Arab Emirates known for its expertise in developing and financing clean energy projects worldwide. Masdar’s involvement included technical assistance, investment, and project management, facilitating the successful deployment of solar infrastructure in Mauritania. This partnership exemplified the growing trend of international collaboration in renewable energy development, leveraging foreign expertise and capital to accelerate the transition towards sustainable energy systems. The support from Masdar not only helped to enhance Mauritania’s renewable energy capacity but also contributed to capacity building and knowledge transfer within the local energy sector, laying the groundwork for future renewable energy initiatives.