Summary:

On 10 March 2026, Mauritania signed a $1 billion five-year framework agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) covering the period 2026–2030 to support trade capacity and economic development. The agreement was signed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia by Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Abdallah Ould Cheikh-Sidia, and ITFC Chief Executive Officer Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama.   

Under the framework, ITFC will provide financing and technical support for priority sectors, with a particular focus on energy imports, trade finance for local banks, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The partnership builds on Mauritania’s longstanding cooperation with ITFC since 2008, which has already supported energy imports and trade-related initiatives.  

Outlook: 

Under this agreement, Mauritania will advance its efforts to secure external financing to support economic stability and strengthen key sectors such as energy and trade.   

While the framework primarily provides financing support, it could improve access to trade finance and facilitate energy imports, helping ease pressure on domestic industries and maintain more stable energy supplies.   

Continued cooperation with international financial institutions is likely to remain an important element of Mauritania’s strategy to finance development priorities and attract broader investment.

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