Summary:

On 28 November 2025, Mauritania secured a major boost to its transport and mining logistic sectors with the signing of a 275 million USD joint financing package from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) at the Africa Investment Forum. The deal will support extensive upgrades to the Zouerate–Nouadhibou railway corridor, the backbone of Mauritania’s iron ore export system. 

The financing, comprising a 150 million USD AfDB loan and a 125 million USD EIB loan guaranteed by the EU, will be directed to National Industry and Mining Company (SNIM), the state-owned mining company and operator of the 700-km railway.  

The project includes full rehabilitation of aging train track, construction of 42 km of new lines to link additional mining sites, acquisition of new locomotives and train cars, and modernization of maintenance systems. Senior officials from both institutions described the investment as central to strengthening export capacity, reducing operating costs, and reinforcing Mauritania’s position in the global iron ore supply chain. 

Outlook: 

With financing secured, Mauritania is poised to modernize its critical mining logistics and strengthen its position in the global iron ore market. This latest agreement is a demonstration of persistently growing confidence among global financing institutions in Mauritania’s economic potential and attractiveness for foreign investment. 

This growing confidence could attract further investment in the country’s transport and infrastructure sectors. Timely and efficient implementation will be key to turning this initiative into a lasting economic catalyst, as Mauritania is still lacking in basic transport infrastructure across the country. 

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