Summary:

On 22 January 2026, the Mauritanian Regulatory Authority (ARE) launched an international tender to award licenses for satellite-based mobile communications and the sale of satellite capacity.  

The tender is divided into two categories, one for operators providing direct services to the public via geostationary satellites and another for selling satellite capacity to operators or private entities without direct public service. 

Mauritania’s telecommunications sector is currently served by Chinguitel, Mattel, and Moov Mauritel, with 2G coverage reaching 97% of the population in 2023, while 3G and 4G coverage stood at 43.9% and 34.7% respectively.  

Internet penetration in Mauritania was estimated at 37.4% in 2023. Low Earth orbit (LEO) providers such as Starlink and Amazon are not yet authorized to offer public services but are expected to apply for licenses, with Starlink planning a commercial launch in 2026. 

Outlook: 

The launch of the satellite communications tender is likely to open new opportunities for telecom and satellite service providers seeking to enter or expand their presence in Mauritania. The initiative reflects regulatory efforts to improve connectivity in areas where terrestrial networks remain limited, particularly in less developed and sparsely populated regions.  

It also points to a broader government approach to advancing the technology sector alongside energy projects, as part of efforts to diversify development priorities and attract foreign investment. Reliable communications infrastructure will remain an essential component of a broader presentations of capabilities and services that will attract an increasingly diverse set of foreign direct investors to Mauritania. 

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