Mauritania offers promising opportunities for mining investment, boasting a largely untapped mineral-rich terrain and a vast 20-billion-ton iron ore deposit. The country’s proactive reforms and attractive mining policies have positioned it as an enticing frontier for discerning investors and businesses in the mining sector. The government’s efforts to triple iron ore production by 2030 and the substantial contribution of the artisanal mining sector, providing around 145,000 jobs, further highlight the socio-economic vitality of the industry. Additionally, the GIRM has awarded licenses to local and foreign companies to explore the mineral potential of rare manganese, copper, gypsum, and other critical minerals, presenting a wealth of resources for future investors in the mining sector.
Historically, U.S. investment in Mauritania has been primarily in the hydrocarbons and mining sectors. However, the country also offers opportunities for investment in other key sectors such as agriculture, electricity, telecommunications, and infrastructure. The Mauritanian government’s efforts to meet the challenges of food self-sufficiency provide opportunities for agro-businesses to engage with Mauritania through supplies and equipment sales, as well as technical training. The country’s economic outlook for 2022-2024 shows optimistic signs of economic recovery, with strong performance in private consumption and investment.
Mauritania’s future economic diversification efforts are focused on intensifying agriculture and livestock, improving the quality of exported fish, and expanding its market reach by strengthening ties with West African countries. The country’s long-term growth model has suffered from structural constraints that have prevented it from leveraging its natural resources. The government is working to remove legal barriers to women’s participation in the economy, facilitate access to finance, promote local entrepreneurship, and enhance competition in key markets that are dominated by few and well-connected companies. These efforts are aimed at enhancing production factors and improving the business environment to attract investment and promote economic diversification.
Mauritania’s mining sector presents promising opportunities for investment, with a largely untapped mineral-rich terrain and a government committed to proactive reforms and attractive mining policies. The country also offers opportunities for investment in other key sectors such as agriculture, electricity, telecommunications, and infrastructure. The government’s efforts to meet the challenges of food self-sufficiency and promote economic diversification provide a conducive environment for investment and business engagement in Mauritania.
