Summary:

Between 5 May 2025 and 8 May 2025, Mauritania held a series of meetings with international partners to strengthen economic and development cooperation. 

On 5 May, the head of the Mauritanian Employers’ Union, Zine El Abidine Ould Cheikh Ahmed, met with the Saudi Arabian ambassador to discuss enhancing collaboration between the private sectors of the two countries.  

On 7 May, Mauritania’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Sid Ahmed Ould Bouh, held talks with the Russian ambassador, Boris Zhilko, focused on joint economic initiatives. On the same day, Cheikh Ahmed met with the regional director of the Islamic Development Bank Group in Rabat to discuss support for the private sector, while Mauritania and France signed a financing agreement worth 430 million new ouguiya (~10.8 million USD) for the second phase of a rural electrification project in southeastern Mauritania. 

On 8 May, the Minister of Social Action, Safia Entah, met with the UNDP’s resident representative, Mansour Anjai, to discuss strengthening cooperation in social programs. Also on 8 May, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief of Mission, Felix Fischer, visited Nouakchott for the scheduled third review under the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Mechanism, praising Mauritania’s progress in structural reforms. 

Outlook: 

With these important meetings and agreements, Mauritania is likely trying to position itself as an increasingly engaged and reform-oriented country, aiming to diversify its partnerships.  

The active engagement with multilateral institutions and countries reflects a multi-dimensional strategy to attract investment, support private sector growth, and enhance infrastructure and social development.  

If sustained, this approach could strengthen economic resilience, encourage diversification, and improve Mauritania’s attractiveness to international investors and development partners.  

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