AGP Executive Report

Mauritania–Japan Fishing Deal: In Tokyo, Mauritania’s fisheries minister signed a 5-year tuna fishing agreement with “Japon Toni” (25 vessels), securing Japan’s access to Mauritania’s authorized tuna share. Arab-China Business Push: Mauritania took part in the Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh, with the Chamber of Commerce head meeting Saudi and Arab chamber leaders to expand cooperation in energy, trade, mining, food security and AI. Energy Finance & Transition Talks: The petroleum and energy minister joined a Houston roundtable on financing a “fair” energy transition, highlighting Mauritania’s green hydrogen plans and investment needs; separately, the economy minister met an IMF mission on tax policy support. Gas & Power Projects: Mauritania’s economy ministry signed AfDB financing to prepare feasibility studies for the Awkar agro-pastoral stocks project in Hodh Chargui; and the oil ministry’s earlier Banda & Tevet gas exploration-production contract was framed as a boost for electricity generation and local content. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: UNPM employers’ delegation heads to Casablanca for a Mauritanian-Moroccan economic forum on business climate and sector investment. Regional Governance & Aid Oversight: NGOs urged independent monitoring in Tindouf camps, alleging abuse and child recruitment—raising pressure on how humanitarian support is managed in the Sahel.

Energy & Infrastructure: Mauritania’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy joined a Houston roundtable on financing a fair energy transition, highlighting green hydrogen plans and the need to unlock funding for projects. Power Supply: President Ghazouani laid the first stone of a 90kV line linking Keurmacen to the Ndiago port, a 12-month, 3.2bn ouguiya project aimed at strengthening the grid and powering the port. Gas & Investment: Mauritania and the Taqa Arabia-GoGas consortium signed an exploration-production contract for Banda & Tevet gas fields, targeting new electricity supply and higher-reliability power for industry and mining. Trade & Finance: The IMF held talks with Mauritania’s economy ministry on tax policy support, while the World Bank mission discussed budget support cooperation. Agribusiness Development: AfDB signed financing for feasibility studies for the Awkar agro-pastoral stocks program in Hodh Chargui. Business Diplomacy: Mauritania participated in the Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh, with chamber leaders pushing cooperation on energy, trade, mining and food security. Regional Links: UNPM announced a Saudi chambers federation visit to Mauritania to meet investors and explore opportunities. Human Rights Watch: NGOs urged independent monitoring in Algeria’s Tindouf camps, alleging torture, discrimination and child recruitment.

Power & Infrastructure: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani laid the first stone of a 90kV line linking Keurmacen to the port of Ndiago, a 12-month SOMELEC project costing 3.2 billion ouguiyas and backed by FADES, aimed at strengthening the national grid and improving electricity access in the area. Energy Projects: Mauritania and the AfDB signed financing to prepare feasibility studies for the Awkar agro-pastoral stocks development in Hodh Chargui (Dhar), while the country also moved forward on gas-to-power momentum through earlier exploration-production contracting for Banda & Tevet fields. Trade & Business Climate: A 140-strong Mauritanian employers delegation is heading to Casablanca for the second Mauritanian-Moroccan Economic Forum, with sessions on the business climate and investment opportunities across energy, agriculture, food, pharma and finance. Finance & Cooperation: The IMF mission met Mauritania’s economy team on tax policy support; the budget minister also received a World Bank mission on budget support, and talks with Spain’s ambassador focused on economic and financial cooperation. Fisheries & Food Supply: The president inaugurated fish storage and conservation infrastructure, including a 1,000-ton storage extension and a processing plant for canned sardines to start next January.

AfDB Agriculture Finance: Mauritania signed an AfDB financing deal to fund feasibility studies for the “Awkar” agro-pastoral stocks project in Hodh Chargui (Dhar zone), targeting better infrastructure, livestock investment planning, and environmental/social safeguards. IMF Tax Talks: The Economy Ministry hosted an IMF mission focused on analyzing and supporting Mauritania’s tax policy framework. China Development Support: The Economy and Finance Minister met China’s CIDA on expanding grants and cooperation, including Nouakchott’s sewage project and the Friendship Hospital expansion. Budget Coordination: A World Bank mission met the budget delegate to discuss budget support operations. Energy Contract: Mauritania signed an exploration-production contract with the Taqa Arabia-GoGas consortium for gas in the Banda & Tevet fields, aimed at boosting electricity supply and strengthening local content. Gas Investment Focus: Coverage highlights the MSGBC Basin moving from discoveries to execution, with Mauritania’s BirAllah plans adding to regional LNG and gas momentum. Business Diplomacy: A Mauritanian employers’ delegation heads to Casablanca for the Mauritanian-Moroccan Economic Forum, with sessions on the business climate and investment projects. Fisheries Infrastructure: Nouakchott’s fish storage and conservation infrastructure was inaugurated, expanding public-capacity storage and adding value through fish processing.

US–DV Lottery Update: The US State Department published DV-2026 selectee figures: 16 African countries made the list, but Nigeria was again excluded, despite 20.8m qualified entries submitted in the 37-day registration period. UAE Manufacturing Push: ROX says it has started vehicle production in Abu Dhabi at its AI-backed plant, with “Made in the Emirates” ADAMAS models rolling out and capacity plans rising from 20,000 vehicles in 2027 toward 300,000 by 2030. Mauritania–Russia Justice Ties: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign treaties on extradition and transfer of convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in October, alongside work on mutual legal assistance. Mauritania Energy Investment Angle: The MSGBC Basin is moving from discovery to execution, with GTA already producing gas and LNG and investors looking ahead to more regional gas and LNG projects. Regional Trade Infrastructure: Morocco’s US$1.6bn Dakhla Atlantique port plan targets Sahel and West Africa trade, with a new logistics network expected to open in 2029. Mauritania Migration Focus: Nouakchott held an open day on illegal migration, with workshops aimed at youth risks, shelters, and practical solutions.

Humanitarian & Charity: UN-linked coverage marks International Day of Charity (Sept 5), highlighting how philanthropy and volunteering are increasingly used to support healthcare, education, housing and child protection amid a surge in humanitarian need. Justice & Security Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign extradition and transfer treaties for convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, alongside plans for mutual legal assistance and joint justice seminars. Energy & Investment Pipeline: The MSGBC gas push moves from discovery to execution, with Mauritania and Senegal positioned as West African gas/LNG hubs after GTA first gas (2024) and first LNG (2025), while new projects like Mauritania’s BirAllah advance. Trade & Regional Connectivity: Morocco’s US$1.6B Dakhla Atlantique logistics push aims to capture Sahel and West Africa trade via a future port and industrial zone, with knock-on implications for regional shipping routes. Mauritania–US Economic Talks: Nouakchott meetings between Mauritania’s economy officials and the US ambassador focus on strengthening cooperation in economy and development. Migration Policy Focus: An open day in Mauritania tackles illegal migration with workshops on shelters, youth risks and solutions—reflecting rising attention to the country’s social and economic impacts. Saudi Financing for Agriculture: Saudi Fund for Development highlights continued support, including a $40m loan agreement and progress on the R’kiz agricultural project.

Energy & Investment: Mauritania’s gas story stays in focus as the MSGBC Basin shifts from discoveries to execution, with the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim already delivering first LNG and both Senegal and Mauritania pushing new domestic gas projects. Justice & Security: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign extradition and transfer treaties for convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, alongside work on mutual legal assistance. Trade & Diplomacy: Mauritania keeps deepening economic ties through meetings with Algeria and the US, plus participation in Arab–Chinese summit preparations in Beijing. Migration & Youth: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration, while Senegal’s missing-migrants crisis shows the human cost of Atlantic crossings—an issue that also hits Mauritania’s region. Regional Energy Infrastructure: Morocco’s US$1.6B Dakhla Atlantique port plan aims to capture Sahel and West African trade flows, underlining how ports and corridors are reshaping regional business opportunities. Business Climate & Finance: World Bank and IFC engagement continues in Nouakchott, including visits to SNIM and talks on pre-school education and broader cooperation.

Gas & LNG Investment: The MSGBC Basin is shifting from discoveries to execution, with Mauritania–Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim already delivering first gas and LNG, and new projects like Mauritania’s BirAllah and Senegal’s Yakaar-Teranga drawing investor attention. Energy & Infrastructure Diplomacy: Mauritania is also pushing regional connectivity and development through international engagement, including meetings tied to economic cooperation and investment partnerships. Justice & Security Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign treaties on extradition and transfer of convicted offenders, alongside work on mutual legal assistance and joint justice seminars. Trade & Ports Watch: Morocco’s US$1.6B Dakhla Atlantique port plan highlights the wider Sahel–West Africa logistics race that Mauritania’s traders will be watching closely. Migration & Youth Impact: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration’s social and economic costs, while reporting from Senegal underscores the human toll of Atlantic crossings across the region. Business Climate & Finance Links: Mauritania’s economy officials met Algeria, the US, China’s development agency, and the World Bank, signaling continued focus on financing, productive sectors, and public services. Saudi Development Funding: Saudi Fund for Development support includes a new $40m loan tied to institutes in vital fields and continued backing for agricultural land reclamation in R’kiz. Regional Cooperation on Extremism: A Dakar-focused initiative spotlights Mauritania’s state-trained female religious guides (mourchidates) as a community tool against violent extremism.

UAE–Industry: ROX says it has started local production of its ADAMAS vehicles in Abu Dhabi after completing an Advanced AI Manufacturing Centre, a push to deepen localisation and build an automotive ecosystem. Justice & Security: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign treaties on extradition and transfer of convicted persons at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, alongside work on mutual legal assistance. Energy & Investment: The MSGBC gas push moves from discovery to execution, with Mauritania–Senegal’s GTA already delivering first LNG and investors looking ahead to more regional gas and LNG infrastructure. Women & Extremism Prevention: A Dakar conference highlights Mauritania’s state-trained “Mourchidates” model as women’s religious leadership is positioned as a practical tool against violent extremism. Mauritania Diplomacy (Economy): The economy ministry met Algeria’s and the US ambassadors, while Mauritania also advanced Arab–Chinese summit preparations in Beijing and discussed sanitation cooperation with China’s CIDCA. World Bank & Skills: World Bank talks in Nouakchott focused on pre-school education, while an Islamic Development Bank delegation discussed a careers and skills pole at Dar Al-Naim. Migration & Youth: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration’s social and economic costs and youth migration risks. Regional Trade Context: Morocco’s US$1.6B Dakhla Atlantique logistics plan aims to capture Sahel and West African trade flows, underscoring competitive pressure on regional corridors.

U.S.-Mauritania Justice Deal: Russia and Mauritania are set to sign treaties on extradition and transfer of convicted offenders at the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, alongside work on mutual legal assistance and joint justice seminars. Energy & Investment: The MSGBC gas push is moving from discovery to execution, with the GTA project already delivering first LNG and investors now looking at scaling gas, LNG and regional infrastructure. Gas Market Momentum: Mauritania and Senegal are positioned as West African gas and LNG hubs as new developments like BirAllah plans gain attention ahead of major investor forums. Regional Trade Infrastructure: Morocco’s US$1.6B Dakhla Atlantique port and logistics buildout aims to capture Sahel and West African trade flows, with service targeted for 2029 and a large industrial zone planned. Bilateral Economic Diplomacy: Mauritania’s economy ministers keep meeting partners—Algeria, the U.S., China and the World Bank—while budget leadership returns to Nouakchott after regional coordination. Saudi Financing for Development: The Saudi Fund for Development signed a US$40M loan linked to institutes in key fields and highlighted long-running support for Mauritania’s agriculture and R’kiz land reclamation. Security & Compliance: The U.S. updated its OFAC sanctions list, naming Nigerian BDCs and firms tied to terrorism financing and cybercrime—relevant for regional financial compliance. Women vs Extremism: Mauritania’s state-trained Mourchidates are highlighted as women’s religious leadership helping counter violent extremism narratives.

Gas & LNG Investment Focus: The MSGBC Basin is moving from discovery to execution, with Mauritania-Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim already at first gas (Dec 2024) and first LNG (Feb 2025), and investors now looking at scaling gas, LNG and regional infrastructure. Energy Projects: Senegal’s Yakaar-Teranga gas push and Mauritania’s BirAllah plans are framed as key steps to cut fuel imports and expand domestic gas markets. Diplomacy for Trade & Finance: Mauritania took part in the Arab-Chinese summit preparatory mechanism in Beijing, while Nouakchott hosted multiple economy and finance meetings with Algeria, the US, China’s development agency, and World Bank/IFC visits to SNIM—signals of continued push for investment and development financing. Budget & Cooperation: The budget minister returned to Nouakchott after talks with Benin on bilateral coordination, and Mauritania also advanced cooperation discussions with FAO and World Bank teams. Women vs Extremism: A Dakar conference highlighted Mauritania’s Mourchidates—state-trained female religious guides—as a practical, community-close tool against violent extremism. Migration Pressure: An open day in Nouakchott tackled illegal migration with youth-focused workshops, reflecting the growing economic and social cost of risky departures.

Diplomatic & Economic Ties: Mauritania sent a delegation to Beijing for the Arab-Chinese Summit preparation mechanism, reaffirming “One China” and highlighting long-running economic cooperation. Bilateral Finance Talks: Nouakchott saw the Economy and Finance minister meet Algeria’s ambassador, while the Economic Affairs minister met the US ambassador to discuss development and economic cooperation. Budget & Regional Coordination: The budget minister delegate returned to Nouakchott after working with Benin’s finance leadership on bilateral coordination. China Development Projects: In Beijing, Mauritania’s economy minister met CIDCA’s vice president, discussing cooperation including a Nouakchott sanitation project. World Bank & Social Sectors: Mauritania’s economy and social-work ministries met World Bank representatives on investment priorities, including pre-school education for 100,000 children. Saudi Funding for Growth: The Saudi Fund for Development signed a $40m loan linked to institutes in key fields and highlighted support for R’kiz agricultural land reclamation. Trade & Infrastructure Watch: Morocco’s $1.6bn Dakhla Atlantique port push aims to capture Sahel and West Africa trade flows via a 2029 gateway. Migration & Youth Pressure: Mauritania held an open day on illegal migration, focusing on shelters and the economic risks driving youth departures. Regional Security Debate: Coverage also flags how West Africa’s jihadist attacks are evolving and spreading, raising questions about drone proliferation and external support. Cross-border Crime: Morocco seized 75kg of cocaine at Guerguerat, a major overland trade link with Mauritania.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected OIC Secretary-General, a major diplomatic win that could shape trade, finance and regional cooperation priorities for member states. Development Finance: The Saudi Fund for Development signed a $40m loan agreement in Nouakchott to support institutes in key sectors, while also highlighting long-running Saudi-Mauritania projects including the R’kiz agricultural push. World Bank/IFC Engagement: World Bank and IFC officials visited SNIM in Nouakchott to discuss cooperation prospects, as Mauritania’s economy ministry also met the World Bank representative on strengthening agriculture, fisheries and investment support. Human Capital & Skills: The World Bank also met Mauritania’s social work ministry on expanding pre-school education toward a 100,000-children target, and the Islamic Development Bank discussed skills and careers programming at Dar Al-Naim. Energy & Industry Talks: Mauritania’s energy minister held talks with Algeria’s Sonatrach and Sonelgaz on hydrocarbons, electricity and training, signaling deeper regional energy partnerships. Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania’s president returned to Nouakchott from Accra after AU coordination meetings, while Nouakchott continued “positive neutrality” in the Polisario dispute amid renewed contacts.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed has been elected Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, taking over from Hissein Brahim Taha after an extraordinary council session in Jeddah—an important diplomatic win with potential spillovers for regional economic and trade coordination. Development Finance: Saudi Fund for Development chief Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid signed a $40m loan in Nouakchott to support new institutes in key fields, while also highlighting long-running Saudi-Mauritania cooperation, including major agricultural and land-reclamation work. World Bank/IFAD Cooperation: Mauritania’s economy and finance ministers met World Bank leadership and discussed priorities ranging from agriculture and fisheries support to pre-school education goals, alongside World Bank/IFC visits to SNIM in Nouakchott. Energy & Industry Partnerships: The energy minister held talks in Algeria with Sonatrach and Sonelgaz on hydrocarbons, electricity and training—aiming to deepen bilateral investment and skills transfer. Water Infrastructure: President Ghazouani inaugurated a river-water treatment system for Boghe, financed by the state (MRO 200m), boosting local water supply capacity. Regional Trade & Security: A US military delegation visited Dakhla port as Washington deepens Sahara engagement, while Mauritania continues “positive neutrality” in Polisario contacts without approving requests for a permanent presence.

Migration & Humanitarian Pressure: Reports again spotlight the deadly push toward Europe, with accounts of boats attacked or left to die at sea and survivors describing desperation on routes that keep killing people. Digital Economy & Competition: Morocco’s Casablanca Stock Exchange notified regulators it wants exclusive control of software firm NT Soft, a two-stage takeover that could reshape IT services for finance, insurance and legal clients. Sahara Trade & Security: A US military delegation visited Dakhla Port to discuss maritime infrastructure, connectivity and shared security, following earlier engagement at El Guerguerat with counter-trafficking focus. Sanctions & Shipping Risks: Research warns Russia’s “shadow fleet” exploits weak African shipping registries to keep oil exports moving despite sanctions. Mauritania’s Development Finance: Saudi Fund for Development signed a $40m loan in Nouakchott to back institutes in vital fields, building on decades of projects including agriculture and R’kiz land rehabilitation. Agriculture & Fisheries Cooperation: Mauritania’s economy team met FAO leadership and World Bank/IFAD-linked missions, including talks on agriculture, fishing and pre-school education. Energy & Industry Partnerships: World Bank/IFC visited SNIM in Nouakchott to discuss cooperation prospects, while Mauritania and Algeria energy officials advanced hydrocarbon and electricity training ties. Diplomacy & Regional Positioning: Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected OIC Secretary-General, underscoring Mauritania’s growing role in regional institutions.

OIC Leadership: Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was elected Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, succeeding Hissein Brahim Taha, pledging to act on member states’ expectations. World Bank/IFC & SNIM: A World Bank and IFC delegation visited SNIM in Nouakchott to discuss cooperation prospects, while Mauritania’s economy and finance teams met World Bank representatives on projects including pre-school education and broader development support. Saudi Development Finance: The Saudi Fund for Development signed a $40m loan in Nouakchott to back institutes in key fields and highlighted long-running Mauritania support, including the R’kiz agricultural project. Energy & Hydrocarbons Talks: Mauritania’s energy minister held talks in Algeria with Sonatrach and Sonelgaz on hydrocarbon cooperation, electricity, and training for Mauritanian engineers. Trade/Business Regulation: Morocco’s Casablanca Stock Exchange notified its competition regulator about a plan to take exclusive control of software firm NT Soft. Migration & Border Pressure: Mauritania-linked regional dynamics included a Nouakchott migrant rescue (161 people) and wider Sahel/Europe migration pressures, including EU-funded Libya “migration management” controversies. Security/Maritime: Reports flagged Russia’s “shadow fleet” using weak African shipping registries to evade sanctions, raising risks for regional trade oversight.