Summary:

On 17 December 2025, Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Abdallahi Souleymane Cheikh Sidiya, signed a financing agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the construction of a high-voltage electricity transmission line between Nouakchott and Kiffa, valued at €34 million. 

The signing, attended by the Minister of Energy and Petroleum Mohamed Ould Khaled and EU Ambassador Joaquin Tasso Vilallonga, complements earlier EIB involvement in Mauritania, including a joint $275 million financing package with the African Development Bank (AfDB) signed in November 2025 to upgrade the Zouerate–Nouadhibou railway corridor, the backbone of the country’s iron ore exports.  

The government aims for the project to reduce electricity costs, lower dependence on oil, and foster economic development, particularly in regions where nearly half of the population resides. The initiative aligns with national policies and contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 on access to affordable and clean energy. 

EU and EIB representatives highlighted the project’s strategic importance for expanding electricity access, especially in rural areas, improving supply reliability, integrating renewable energy into the national grid, and supporting the development of a regional electricity market.  

Outlook: 

The Nouakchott–Kiffa electricity transmission line is expected to strengthen Mauritania’s energy infrastructure and accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable power system. Improving the reliability and flexibility of the electricity supply will facilitate the integration of solar and other renewable energy sources, supporting both rural electrification and broader economic development. 

The project also lays the groundwork for regional energy integration, enabling cross-border electricity trade and positioning Mauritania as a potential hub for renewable energy investment in West Africa.  

Enhanced infrastructure and increased capacity could attract private sector participation, stimulate green energy projects, and advance the country’s strategic energy transition objectives. 

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