AGP Executive Report

Digital Economy & AI: Mauritania and the World Bank agreed extra financing for the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Program, adding AI data infrastructure, skills training and AI-powered services across sectors. Tourism & Investment: Mauritania is pitching itself as one of Africa’s last “authentic” tourism frontiers, banking on the Eye of Africa, desert heritage and improved security to attract both visitors and investors. Regional Finance: NAB Consulting says it completed a €250m structured finance facility for Niger, backed by Afreximbank and co-arranged with Coris Bank Niger, targeting agriculture, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and SMEs. Cross-Border Crime: French and Belgian authorities dismantled a money-laundering network tied to drug trafficking, with Mauritanian cash collectors and nearly €8m seized. Migration & Humanitarian Pressure: Pope Leo XIV visited Spain’s Canary Islands, calling for safe routes and welcome for migrants arriving from Mauritania and the wider region. Trade & Technology Access: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Mauritania included in the broader rollout. Security & Fisheries: West Africa steps up action against illegal fishing, citing losses of over US$2.3bn a year and new regional enforcement efforts.

Mauritania–World Bank Digital Push: Mauritania will receive additional financing under the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Program to expand AI infrastructure, build data systems, train local skills, and deploy AI-powered tools across sectors. NAB Consulting Finance Deal (Regional): NAB Consulting says it has completed a €250m structured finance facility for Niger, co-arranged with Coris Bank Niger and provided by Afreximbank, targeting agriculture, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and SME support. Tourism & Investment Outlook: Mauritania is being pitched as one of Africa’s last “authentic” tourism frontiers, with renewed security and government backing aimed at turning desert heritage into sustainable visitor growth. Tourism Recovery After Attacks (Context): Coverage also highlights efforts to revive tourism after armed attacks, underscoring how safety and policy decisions shape investor confidence. AI Rollout Across Africa (Broader Market): Google expands Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Mauritania included in the wider supported locales list. Trade & Security (Regional): West Africa steps up action against illegal fishing, while separate reporting points to cross-border fraud and money-laundering cases involving Mauritanian links.

Tourism & Security: After armed attacks, Mauritania is trying to restart tourism, betting on safer access and renewed confidence for visitors. Digital Development: Mauritania and the World Bank expanded the WARDIP programme to add AI infrastructure and skills, aiming to roll out AI-powered systems across sectors. AI Policy in the Region: Libya adopted an AI Ethics Charter and launched a National AI Strategy 2026–2030 with 35 initiatives, while Maghreb countries—including Mauritania—push AI education and research through university-linked ecosystems. Trade & Finance: NAB Consulting says it completed a €250m structured finance facility for Niger with Afreximbank support, targeting agriculture, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and SME growth. Energy & Markets: Nigeria’s solar panel exports hit N85.8bn in Q1 2026, showing West Africa’s growing renewable manufacturing and regional supply. Maritime Economy: West Africa steps up action against illegal fishing, citing losses of over US$2.3bn a year and new regional enforcement efforts. Business & Fraud Risks: Nigeria police uncovered a transnational fraud and staged-kidnap scheme linked to a Mauritanian victim, highlighting cross-border financial crime threats.

Digital Development: Mauritania and the World Bank agreed additional financing for the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Program, adding AI infrastructure, data systems, skills training, and AI-powered services across sectors. AI Policy in the Region: Libya adopted an AI Ethics Charter and launched a National AI Strategy 2026–2030 with 35 initiatives, while Maghreb countries—including Mauritania—push AI education and research, with Algeria positioning itself as a regional AI hub. Energy & Finance: NAB Consulting says it completed a €250m structured finance facility for Niger, aimed at agriculture, energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and support for SMEs—an example of structured funding for Sahel recovery. Trade & Business Capacity: The WCO’s EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme trained customs officials and experts across several countries to strengthen rules-of-origin skills for preferential trade. Security & Fraud Risks: Nigeria’s Ogun State police arrested eight foreign nationals over a staged kidnapping and ransom scheme, with suspects claiming remote coordination from Malaysia—highlighting cross-border fraud threats that can touch Mauritanian communities.

Structured Finance for Niger: NAB Consulting says it has completed a €250m structured finance facility for Niger, co-arranged with Coris Bank Niger and backed by Afreximbank, aimed at recovery priorities from agriculture and energy to healthcare and SMEs. Maghreb AI Push: Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya and Mauritania are stepping up AI education and research, with Algeria highlighted for building university-linked AI and cybersecurity start-up clusters to speed commercialization. AI Browser Rollout in Africa: Google expands Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search help to more African markets. Mauritania in Regional Diplomacy: Libya and Mauritania held talks on boosting political and economic cooperation and preparing a Libyan–Mauritanian joint higher committee. Energy & Trade Signals: West Africa tackles illegal fishing losses estimated above $2.3bn annually, while Nigeria’s solar panel exports hit N85.8bn in Q1 2026—an example of regional renewable manufacturing momentum. Security Watch: Mali’s security crisis escalates after coordinated attacks, raising risks for the wider region.

Structured Finance: NAB Consulting says it has completed a €250m structured finance facility for Niger, co-arranged with Coris Bank Niger and provided by Afreximbank, aimed at Niger’s economic recovery with focus on agriculture, energy, healthcare, infrastructure and support for SMEs. AI & Skills: Maghreb countries, including Mauritania, are pushing AI education and research; Algeria is highlighted for moving from isolated start-ups to university-linked AI and cybersecurity clusters meant to speed commercialization. Tech Rollout: Google expands Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with a wider Africa rollout that includes Mauritania, aiming to make AI search and understanding more accessible. Energy & Trade: Nigeria exported solar panels worth N85.79bn in Q1 2026 to the US and several African markets, signaling a shift from consumer to regional supplier. Regional Power Risk: A study warns climate change could increasingly synchronize solar output shortfalls across African power pools, raising resilience risks for grid planning. Offshore Oil (Gambia): Eni signs a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1 with The Gambia, marking a new push after years of stalled exploration. Security & Fraud (Nigeria): Ogun State police arrest eight foreign nationals over a staged kidnapping/self-kidnapping scheme allegedly used to extort ransom from families abroad. Mauritania Diplomacy: Libya and Mauritania discuss boosting ties during an official visit, including preparations for a joint higher committee and activating prior agreements.

World Cup 2026 & Identity: A new wave of African-descended European players is set to headline the expanded 48-team World Cup, but the coverage also flags how national identity debates and online racism have followed Black players for years. AI Education (Maghreb): Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya and Mauritania are pushing AI education and research, with Algeria positioning itself as the regional pacesetter via university-linked AI and cybersecurity clusters aimed at turning research into businesses. AI in Mauritania’s region: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out across African markets including Mauritania, expanding built-in AI search and understanding features. Investment Management (Nigeria/Mauritania footprint): Assetium Investment Managers says it reached N5bn AUM in six weeks after SEC approval, with offices listed in Nouakchott and Abuja. Energy & Exploration (Gambia): Eni has signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence for offshore Block A1, a fresh attempt to restart Gambia’s stalled upstream ambitions. Renewables Trade (Nigeria): Nigeria exported solar panels worth N85.8bn in Q1 2026, with the US as the top buyer. West Africa Fisheries: Regional action against illegal fishing is intensifying as annual losses are put at over US$2.3bn, with coordinated enforcement and the Dakar Declaration spotlighted. Mauritania/Libya Diplomacy: Libya and Mauritania discussed boosting political and economic cooperation during an official visit, including plans for a joint higher committee.

AI & Education: Maghreb countries, including Mauritania, are pushing AI education and research beyond universities, with Algeria moving toward structured AI/cybersecurity clusters to speed up commercialization. AI in Daily Life: Google is expanding Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and also Mauritania, aiming to make the browser more helpful for finding and understanding information. World Cup Economy: FIFA says World Cup 2026 referees can earn up to £75,000 for up to six weeks’ work, with top officials potentially earning far more via bonuses. Trade Facilitation: With WCO support, Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia and other Portuguese-speaking countries are building national pools of rules-of-origin experts to strengthen compliance under free trade agreements. Offshore Energy (Gambia): Eni signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence for offshore Block A1, giving the country a fresh shot at unlocking hydrocarbon potential after years of stalled efforts. West Africa Fisheries: Regional action against illegal fishing is intensifying, with losses estimated above US$2.3bn annually and new coordination steps under the Dakar Declaration. Mauritania-Linked Diplomacy: Libya and Mauritania discussed boosting political and economic cooperation during an official visit. Security & Fraud (Region): Ogun State police in Nigeria arrested eight foreign nationals over a staged kidnap-ransom scheme, including a Mauritanian suspect.

Gambia Energy Deal: The Gambia signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement (PEPLA) with Eni for offshore Block A1, covering about 1,300 sq km in deep waters (1,250m–3,300m), giving Eni a new entry after earlier licence revocations and exits by other operators. Regional Trade Capacity: With WCO support, customs and economic operators from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia and others are training to strengthen rules-of-origin expertise, aiming to make free trade agreements work better in practice. West Africa Fisheries Crackdown: West African states and partners stepped up action against illegal fishing, citing losses above US$2.3bn a year and highlighting the Dakar Declaration and joint enforcement operations involving Mauritania and Senegal. Power & Climate Risk: A new study warns Africa’s solar power pools face rising “synchronization” risk under climate change, meaning multiple countries could suffer low-output days at once. Mauritania in the Spotlight: Libya and Mauritania discussed boosting political and economic cooperation during an official visit, including plans for a joint higher committee. Security & Fraud (Cross-border): Nigeria’s Ogun State police arrested eight foreign nationals over a staged kidnapping/self-kidnapping scheme allegedly used to extort ransom from families abroad.

Renewables Trade: Nigeria exported solar panels worth N85.79bn in Q1 2026, with the US the biggest buyer (N34.23bn), as local renewable manufacturing investment helps the country shift from consumer to regional supplier. Offshore Energy Deal: The Gambia signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement with Eni for deepwater Block A1 (about 1,300 sq km), giving Eni rights to explore in water depths of 1,250–3,300m and marking a fresh push after years of stalled activity. Mauritania Energy Link: Russia is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania for “technological sovereignty,” adding to the wider regional energy cooperation narrative. West Africa Fisheries: West Africa stepped up action against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with losses estimated above US$2.3bn annually and new coordination efforts like the Dakar Declaration. Security & Fraud: Ogun State police arrested eight foreign nationals in a staged “kidnapping” scheme allegedly used to extort ransom from families abroad, including a Mauritanian suspect. Climate Risk for Power Pools: A new study warns climate change could synchronize solar low-output events across African power pools, raising reliability risks for regional electricity trading. Diplomacy: Libya and Mauritania discussed boosting ties during an official visit, including preparations for a joint higher committee.

Mauritania–Libya Diplomacy: Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed willed Merzoug met Libya’s Taher al-Baour during an official visit, agreeing to deepen political and economic cooperation and prepare a Libyan–Mauritanian Joint Higher Committee. Energy & Tech Cooperation: Russia says it is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” including training and a possible business mission with major Russian energy firms. Uranium Investment Signal: Aura Energy is pushing for a 2026 final investment decision for Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project after talks tied to U.S. financing. Power Access Tracking: The AfDB launched MapAfrica to monitor Mission 300 electricity expansion in real time, listing Mauritania among priority countries. Trade Facilitation: With WCO support, customs officials from Mauritania and other West/Central African states are training peers on rules of origin under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme. Regional Fisheries Pressure: West Africa steps up action against illegal fishing, with losses estimated above US$2.3bn annually, including coordinated patrols involving Mauritania. Global Context for Business: UN warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions are driving energy and food shocks that can raise costs and strain aid and trade—relevant for regional importers and logistics.

Western Sahara & Polisario Leadership: The death of Lahbib Abdelaziz, a key Polisario National Secretariat figure, is reigniting questions over succession and internal balances as the independence movement faces diplomatic wear and an aging leadership. Trade Facilitation & Customs Capacity: With WCO support under the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, customs officials from Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco, The Gambia and others have completed Training of Trainers workshops to strengthen origin determination for preferential trade agreements. Anti-IUU Fishing: West Africa is stepping up action against illegal fishing, with coordinated patrols and the Dakar Declaration pushing stronger regional enforcement and shared monitoring as losses are estimated above US$2.3bn a year. Mauritania in Energy Diplomacy: Russia says it is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” including education and a possible business mission with major energy firms. Electricity Access Tracking: AfDB launched MapAfrica to monitor Mission 300 progress toward connecting 300m more people to power by 2030, with Mauritania listed among priority countries. Regional Security & Fraud: Ogun State police in Nigeria arrested eight foreign nationals over a staged “self-kidnapping” scheme allegedly used to extort ransom from families abroad, including a Mauritanian suspect.

Mauritania–Libya Diplomacy: Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed willed Merzoug met Libya’s Taher al-Baour during an official visit, focusing on expanding political and economic cooperation and preparing a Libyan–Mauritanian Joint Higher Committee. Energy & Industry: Russia’s Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin said Moscow is ready to share energy technologies with partners including Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” alongside training and a possible business mission with major Russian firms. Uranium Investment Signal: Aura Energy is pushing for a 2026 final investment decision for its Tiris uranium project, with U.S. financing talks flagged as a strategic breakthrough. Electricity Access Tracking: The AfDB launched Mission 300’s Progress Tracker (MapAfrica), listing Mauritania among priority countries for projects aimed at connecting 300 million people to power by 2030. Regional Energy Risk: A study warns climate change could synchronize solar low-output events across African power pools, raising reliability risks for regional grids. Trade & Food Security Shock: UN agencies say Strait of Hormuz disruptions are already driving up energy and transport costs, worsening hunger risks in vulnerable countries. Business/Transport Link: Air Sénégal resumed ATR72-600 services on regional routes, with one aircraft previously stored at Nouakchott in Mauritania. Security & Cross-border Fraud: Ogun State police in Nigeria arrested eight foreigners, including a Mauritanian, over a staged self-kidnapping scheme used to extort ransom from families abroad.

Fake Kidnap Fraud Exposed (Ogun, Nigeria): Ogun police arrested eight foreign nationals, including a 23-year-old Mauritanian, Cheik El-Mehdi, over an alleged staged abduction and ransom extortion scheme targeting families abroad, with suspects tracked to a hideout in Adiyan Town, Agbado. Energy Access & Electrification Tracking (Africa): AfDB launched MapAfrica to monitor Mission 300 progress toward connecting 300 million people to electricity by 2030, listing active projects across countries including Mauritania. Uranium & Tech Cooperation (Mauritania): Russia’s deputy energy minister said Moscow is ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” alongside education and possible business missions with major firms. U.S. Forced-Labour Tariff Risk (Trade): The U.S. proposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from eight African economies, including Mauritania, tied to forced-labour enforcement gaps—still under review. Regional Diplomacy (Libya–Mauritania): Libya and Mauritania discussed boosting political and economic cooperation and preparing a joint higher committee meeting during an official visit. Humanitarian Pressure (Sahel): UN OCHA warned about 24 million people needing aid across the Sahel as violence, displacement, and climate shocks worsen, with funding at a decade low.

Mauritania–Libya Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Taher al-Baour met Mauritania’s Mohamed willed Merzoug in Libya to push political and economic cooperation, activate prior agreements, and prepare a Libyan–Mauritanian Joint Higher Committee. Uranium & Finance: Aura Energy says it is negotiating with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for up to $170m to back Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project, with feasibility work due in Sept and a possible final investment decision by year-end. Energy Cooperation: Russia’s deputy energy minister told Mauritania it can access Russian energy technologies to build “technological sovereignty,” alongside plans for training and a possible business mission. Electricity Access Tracking: AfDB launched Mission 300’s public progress tracker (MapAfrica), listing Mauritania among priority countries for grid and decentralized solar projects. Trade Risk for Mauritania: The U.S. proposes a 12.5% tariff on exports from Mauritania (and seven other African economies) over forced-labour compliance gaps—still under review. Health Cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding medical training, pharmaceuticals, preventive healthcare, and medical tourism ties. Regional Context: UN warns the Strait of Hormuz disruption is driving higher energy and aid costs, hitting vulnerable economies hard.

U.S.-Mauritania Energy Ties: Russia says it’s ready to share energy technologies with Mauritania to build “technological sovereignty,” including training and possible business missions with major firms. Uranium Investment Watch: Aura Energy is pushing ahead on Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project, negotiating up to $170m with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and aiming for a feasibility study in September and a final investment decision by year-end. Electricity Access Tracking: The AfDB launched a public Mission 300 progress tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor grid and mini-grid projects, listing Mauritania among priority countries. Trade Pressure on Exports: The U.S. proposes a 12.5% tariff on exports from Mauritania and seven other African economies over forced-labour compliance gaps—still under review. Regional Business Environment: Jeune Afrique/The Africa Report’s 2026 Africa Performance Index places Nigeria fifth and Ghana eighth, highlighting governance, influence, and innovation—useful context for investors watching West Africa. Sahel Humanitarian Risk: UN says about 24m people need aid across the Sahel as violence and climate shocks worsen, with funding at a decade low.