Country overview:

IOA has built up considerable expertise in Mauritania thanks to past research projects. Despite itself having a history of coups and jihadist violence, Mauritania is a notable bastion of peace and stability in an otherwise troubled region as of late 2024. This is largely thanks to the leadership of President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, recently re-elected, who has managed to make gains on addressing the country’s considerable economic and security challenges.

The country’s economy is dominated by fisheries and iron ore, with much of the population inland dependent on livestock herding and other forms of subsistence agriculture. Though the country has significant underexplored potential as a natural resource exporter, it has yet to address pressing social issues, including poverty and the persistence of slavery, which is a source of much social tension.

Key opportunities in Mauritania:

Mineral and natural resource wealth is substantial and can be more fully exploited. The emerging gas sector, particularly the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) offshore project, is expected to generate significant export revenue and attract infrastructure investment
Trade links with Europe and the Far East are well-established
Fishing remains a viable resource along the coastline

Key concerns/risks in Mauritania:

The coastline has become a major point of departure for the human trafficking of illegal migrants to Europe
Climate change has worsened droughts since the 1970s, forcing substantial numbers of people into urban areas where poverty is high
Youth unemployment remains high, and informal labor dominates the economy, limiting productivity and social mobility

Tips on doing business in Mauritania:

Starting a business:

There are no legal restrictions on foreign property ownership, though the lack of industry formalisation means that ownership of the underlying land can often be opaque. Formally, there are no restrictions on foreigners starting businesses or foreign ownership of domestic firms
The investment process can be initiated by contacting the “Single Window” One top Shop at the Mauritanian Investment Promotion Agency headquarters in Nouakchott
(Read more at: https://apim.gov.mr/)

Doing business:

Local authorities can offer investors unique incentives, including free land, deferred and reduced taxes, and tax-free importation of materials and equipment, and free repatriation of capital
FDI is being facilitated by a new modernised investment code which aims at improving foreign capital access to value-added sectors in fisheries, agriculture, animal husbandry, and extractive industries
A lack of infrastructure and a largely rural, dispersed local consumer base are some notable impediments to doing business
The World Bank’s 2025 Economic Update highlights the need for improved logistics, energy access, and SME financing to unlock private sector growth

Culture and society:

Mauritania is a conservative society and recognises Islam as the sole state religion. Participation in non-Muslim religious gatherings and the possession of alcohol are both legally forbidden
The risk of violent crime, kidnapping, and militancy is notable and visitors should take steps to avoid “no movement zones” areas close to the Malian border, which the local government has declared off limits