North Africa Trade & Infrastructure: Morocco and Mauritania signed a framework agreement in Rabat to rehabilitate and widen the 480-km Nouakchott–Nouadhibou road corridor, aiming to ease freight, boost trade (over $400m in 2025), and strengthen a land link from the Maghreb to West Africa. Diplomacy & Economic Ties: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani launched the Mauritanian-French Business Forum in Paris, pushing investment-focused cooperation. Population & Development Finance: Mauritania’s Economy Minister met UNFPA’s regional director to review the 2024–2027 country programme, highlighting support for the recent population census. EU Humanitarian Support (with Mauritania link): The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis relief; among migration-related funding, €140m is earmarked for Eastern Mauritania host communities and protection needs. Energy & Industry Outlook: A new analysis says West Africa’s gas race is now about execution speed, reliability, and efficiency—not just reserves—relevant for Mauritania’s offshore push. Migration at Sea: Mauritanian Coast Guard rescued 260 irregular migrants off Nouakchott, including Senegalese and Gambians, after a week-long voyage. Business & Investment Recognition: Mauritania’s Energy Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled received an African Leadership Excellence Award in New York for energy and resource governance.