AGP Executive Report

Digital Connectivity & Trade Corridors: Algeria and Niger officially commissioned their trans-Saharan fiber optic link at Assamaka, with an initial 100 Gbit/s capacity, aiming to cut digital costs and boost data exchange for administrations and businesses; the project also feeds into a wider backbone plan reaching Mauritania and beyond, with security in Niger a key risk. Finance & Creditworthiness: The African Union will open its own Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) in Port Louis, aiming to reduce Africa’s “risk premium” by using more local context for sovereign and business credit assessments. Mauritania Business & Logistics: OBT expands into Mauritania to serve shipping, freight forwarding, customs clearance and project logistics for mining, energy and infrastructure demand, linking Nouakchott and Nouadhibou ports to its wider network. Energy & Regional Integration: Algeria’s NEPAD summit messaging highlights trans-Saharan corridors—highway, road to Mauritania, fiber spine and gas pipeline—positioning connectivity as a driver for cross-border trade and investment. Regional Policy & Cooperation: Mauritania’s Prime Minister opened a high-level Sahel and Gulf of Guinea forum on climate, peace and security, pushing regional resilience through UNDP-backed dialogue. Private Sector Watch: Kinross announced it will release Q3 results on October 28, with a conference call the next morning.

Mauritania Trade & Finance: Mauritania’s Minister Delegate for Budget met international credit agencies Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s in Lomé, highlighting reforms in public finance management, internal resource mobilization and debt sustainability to strengthen credibility with investors. Regional Commerce: The Mauritanian Chamber of Commerce signed a trade-exchange agreement with Senegal’s counterpart in Dakar, with a follow-up business visit planned to deepen commercial ties. Public Finance Update: The Council of Ministers approved an Amending Finance Bill for 2024, aiming to align spending with the “My Ambition for the Homeland” program, unblock major projects, and improve budget architecture for better allocation. Logistics & Ports: OBT expanded into Mauritania to support shipping agency, freight forwarding, customs clearance and project logistics for Nouakchott and Nouadhibou ports, citing growing demand for accountable service. Energy & Connectivity Context: Algeria and Niger officially launched the Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic Backbone link, boosting digital connectivity across the region.

Gas & Infrastructure Finance: Nigeria’s NNPC says it committed N473.8bn to gas projects in 2025, including the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, with funding routed through its NGIC unit and covering cash calls, equity injection for Anoh Gas Processing, and the AKK pipeline; the report also flags N25.7bn in outstanding interest and N14.4bn undrawn. Trade & Logistics: OBT is expanding into Mauritania to meet rising demand for shipping and project logistics, offering services from customs clearance and heavy-lift to warehousing and last-mile delivery for Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Public Finance & Ratings: Mauritania’s budget minister met Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s to discuss the economic outlook, public finance reforms, and debt sustainability—aimed at strengthening credibility with investors. Regional Business Links: The Mauritanian Chamber of Commerce signed a trade-boosting agreement with Senegal’s counterpart, with a follow-up business visit planned. Western Sahara Diplomacy: UN reporting says talks under Resolution 2797 are moving toward transitional modalities, with Morocco’s autonomy plan the negotiation basis. Travel Rules: The US expanded a visa-bond programme to 50 countries; Mauritania is listed among affected nations, while Mauritania’s citizens should check requirements before travel.

Western Sahara Talks: UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ latest report says negotiations are moving from principles to practical transitional arrangements, with Morocco’s autonomy plan the basis for talks and a possible transitional council under discussion. Mauritania Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani used a joint press conference with Spain and the EU to underline the strategic partnership and investment opportunities for Mauritania. Regional Trade: The Mauritanian Chamber of Commerce signed an agreement with Senegal’s counterpart to boost bilateral trade, with a business visit to Mauritania being prepared. Public Finance: The Council of Ministers approved an Amending Finance Bill for 2024, aiming to align spending with the presidential programme, unblock major projects, and update the state budget architecture. Debt & Ratings: Budget officials met Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s to discuss economic prospects, public finance reforms, and debt sustainability ahead of investor engagement. Logistics & Trade Facilitation: OBT expanded into Mauritania, offering shipping agency, freight forwarding, customs clearance and project logistics for Nouakchott and Nouadhibou ports. Health & Development: The Ouagadougou Partnership marked 15 years of gains in family planning and SRHR across nine West African countries, including Mauritania. Energy Context: NEPAD founding states agreed to create an El Alamein Investment Platform by Feb 2027 to finance African development projects.

Gas & Infrastructure Finance: Nigeria’s NNPC says it committed ₦473.8bn in 2025 to gas projects via its NGIC unit, including the proposed Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, equity into Anoh Gas Processing, and the AKK pipeline—while ₦25.7bn interest remained outstanding and ₦14.4bn undrawn. Regional Connectivity & Trade Corridors: Algeria’s President Tebboune highlighted NEPAD-linked infrastructure meant to deepen North Africa integration, citing the Trans-Saharan Highway, the Tindouf–Zouerate road to Mauritania, trans-Saharan fiber, and the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline. Energy Diplomacy in West Africa: Algeria’s Sonelgaz signed two MoUs with Senegal’s Senelec, extending its engineering and training push across Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Benin and Mauritania—now raising questions about who leads West Africa’s gas and power build-out. Mauritania Water Deal: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed to finance a Kiffa drinking-water network from the Senegal River, with a ₱110m dirham contribution and a larger $320m project total. Higher Education Financing: Mauritania’s finance minister signed an IsDB interest-free loan of 14.8m Islamic dinars (over 740m ouguiyas) to build and equip new higher education institutions in Kaedi and Nema. Mining Project Teaming Up: Aura Energy named its leadership for Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project, with the BFS now due mid-October and financing targeted before year-end. Humanitarian & Governance: Mali’s school year starts with over 2,400 schools closed and 730,000 children out of class, as armed groups target education—an indirect regional risk for stability and development. Visa Policy Watch: The US expanded a visa-bond programme for B1/B2 tourist/business visas, requiring up to $20,000 guarantees for citizens of 50 countries (India not included).

Mauritania-France Development Finance: Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development met France’s ambassador and AFD officials to review and expand economic cooperation. Water Infrastructure Deal: Mauritania and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed an agreement to help finance the Kiffa city drinking-water project, with UAE support of about $30m toward a larger $320m plan. Higher Education Funding: Mauritania’s Finance Minister signed an IsDB interest-free loan worth over 740m ouguiyas to build and equip new higher education institutions in Kaédi (Agriculture) and Nema (Veterinary Medicine). Energy & Power Projects: A concessional loan agreement with France will fund 10 solar power stations with storage, aimed at cutting rural-urban gaps in electricity access. Uranium Project Push: Aura Energy named its leadership team to advance the Tiris uranium project in Mauritania, with the bankable feasibility study due mid-October and financing targeted by end-2026. Regional Trade Context: Egypt’s trade with African Union countries rose 11.8% to $6.1bn in the first seven months of 2026, highlighting continued intra-Africa commerce momentum. Health Costs Debate (Regional): An Afrobarometer study shows Moroccans’ healthcare affordability worries are high, while support for higher taxes for universal healthcare is relatively low—Mauritania ranks higher on tax-backed healthcare support. Climate & Livelihoods: A video from Mauritania spotlights working donkeys hauling water in extreme heat, underscoring climate pressure on daily survival and transport. Global Policy Watch: The US expanded a visa bond programme for B1/B2 visas to 50 countries, including several African states—relevant for business travel planning.

Mauritania–France Energy Deal: Mauritania signed a concessional loan with France to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut the rural-urban electricity gap and support clean energy expansion. Water Infrastructure Finance: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed to fund a major Kiffa drinking-water project from the Senegal River, with a modern network linking Gouraye, Selibabi, Kankossa and Kiffa. Higher Education Funding: Mauritania’s Finance Minister signed an IsDB interest-free loan to build and equip new higher education institutions—Agriculture in Kaédi and Veterinary Medicine in Nema. Regional Energy Diplomacy: Algeria’s NEPAD summit push highlighted cross-border corridors (roads, rail, fiber optic, and the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline), while Sonelgaz expands into Senegal via deals with Senelec—raising questions about West Africa’s energy sovereignty and gas ambitions. Mining & Investment in Mauritania: Aura Energy named its leadership team to advance the Tiris uranium project, with the bankable feasibility study due mid-October and financing targeted by end-2026. Climate & Livelihoods: A viral “working donkey” story from Mauritania spotlights extreme heat and the economic role of working animals—plus the risks they face on roads and from plastic waste.

Energy & Regional Trade: Algeria’s state energy group Sonelgaz signed two memorandums with Senegal’s Senelec, aiming to transfer Algerian engineering, equipment and training across Senegal’s electricity and gas value chain—an expansion that already spans Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Benin and Mauritania. Project Finance (Mauritania): Mauritania and France signed a concessional loan for €39.2m to build 10 solar power stations with storage, targeting wider rural access and reducing urban-rural gaps. Water Infrastructure (Mauritania): Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed to finance drinking-water supply for Kiffa and nearby towns from the Senegal River, with a $30m contribution toward a larger $320m project. Uranium Development (Mauritania): Aura Energy named its leadership team to move the Tiris uranium project from study to construction; the bankable feasibility study is now due mid-October, with financing targeted before year-end. Banking Deal (West Africa): Société Générale agreed to sell its 60.22% Ghana stake to Attijariwafa Bank (55.22%) and SSNIT (5%), reshaping ownership and operations pending approvals. Mobility & Travel Policy: The US expanded a visa bond programme for B1/B2 visitor visas, with 50 countries listed and 30 African nations affected; Mauritania is among those flagged for potential bond requirements.

US Visa Bonds: The US rolled out a visa bond programme for tourist and business applicants from 50 countries, with deposits of $10,000–$20,000 decided during interviews; India is not on the updated list. Mauritania–France Development Finance: Mauritania’s Economy and Finance officials met French partners at AFD to review and expand development cooperation. Kiffa Water Project: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed to help finance drinking-water supply for Kiffa and nearby towns, with a $30m Abu Dhabi contribution within a larger $320m package. IsDB Higher Education Loan: Mauritania’s Finance Ministry signed an interest-free IsDB loan worth over 740m ouguiyas to build and equip new higher education institutions in Kaédi (agriculture) and Néma (veterinary medicine). Energy & Clean Power: A concessional loan from France will fund 10 solar power stations with storage, aimed at cutting rural-urban service gaps. Uranium Investment Push: Aura Energy named its leadership team to move its Tiris uranium project toward construction, with the BFS due mid-October and financing targeted by end-2026. Trade & Customs: Mauritania met Algerian Customs to strengthen customs cooperation and coordination. Regional Integration: President El Ghazouani reaffirmed Mauritania’s push for deeper West African integration at an ECOWAS summit.

Mauritania–France Development Finance: Mauritania’s Economy Minister met France’s ambassador and AFD officials to review and expand economic cooperation, while the Finance Minister also held AFD talks on strengthening funding for reforms. Water Infrastructure Deal: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed an agreement worth about $30m (110m dirhams) to help finance drinking-water supply for Kiffa and nearby towns from the Senegal River. Higher Education Funding: Mauritania’s Finance Minister signed an IsDB interest-free loan of over $740m equivalent to build and equip new higher schools in Kaedi (Agriculture) and Nema (Veterinary Medicine). Energy Projects Push: A concessional loan agreement with France will fund 10 solar power stations with storage to cut rural-urban electricity gaps. Mining & Jobs Watch: Aura Energy named its leadership team to advance the Tiris uranium project in Mauritania; BFS is due mid-October and financing targeted by end-2026. Trade & Logistics: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and Central Africa, expanding coverage for mining customers in Mauritania. Regional Context: Amnesty accuses Mali’s forces and Russian-linked groups of war crimes along the Mauritania border, while Mali’s school year starts with over 2,400 schools closed, leaving 730,000 children out of class.

Mauritania–France Development Talks: The Minister of Economic Affairs and Development met the French Ambassador and AFD officials in Nouakchott to review cooperation and ways to deepen financing across priority sectors. Clean Energy Push: Mauritania and France signed a concessional loan to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban gaps in electricity access. Water Infrastructure Deal: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed an agreement to help finance the Kiffa city water supply project, with a modern network drawing from the Senegal River. Higher Education Funding: Mauritania’s Finance Minister signed an IsDB interest-free loan to support two new higher education institutions—Agriculture in Kaedi and Veterinary Medicine in Nema. Energy Sector Execution: The Energy Minister urged contractors to speed up ministry-linked projects, warning of contract withdrawal for delays and poor performance. Regional Business Context: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West and North Africa, expanding coverage that includes Mauritania.

Energy & Infrastructure Finance: Mauritania signed a €39.2m concessional loan with France to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut the rural-urban electricity gap and support jobs. Water & Cities Development: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed to finance $30m (110m dirhams) toward a Kiffa drinking-water project from the Senegal River, including a network linking Gouraye–Selibabi–Kankossa–Kiffa. Higher Education Funding: The Finance Ministry signed an IsDB interest-free loan worth over 740m ouguiyas to build and equip new agriculture and veterinary schools in Kaédi and Nema. Trade & Diplomacy: The Trade and Tourism Minister met Mali’s ambassador to boost bilateral trade and tourism ties. Project Pipeline in Mining: Aura Energy named its leadership team to advance the Tiris uranium project in Mauritania; the bankable feasibility study is now due mid-October, with financing targeted by end-2026. Regional Business Links: The Mauritania–Morocco Business Forum wrapped up with a call for joint technical committees to speed up priority investment projects. Sahel Security & Humanitarian Pressure: Amnesty renewed allegations of war crimes in Mali involving Malian forces and Wagner, with findings based on interviews with refugees in Mauritania.

Uranium Project Push: Aura Energy named John Carr as president, with Fortescue’s Spencer Davey joining as CFO and Jeremy Carter as chief strategy officer, as the Tiris uranium project in Mauritania moves toward a bankable feasibility study due mid-October and financing targeted by end-2026, while a pilot plant at Bir Moghrein is already under way. Energy Finance & Rural Power: Mauritania signed a €39.2m concessional loan with France to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban gaps and support broader electricity and social development goals. Customs & Trade Links: Mauritania’s Finance Minister met the Algerian Customs director general in Nouakchott to strengthen customs cooperation and coordination. Energy Sector Accountability: The Energy and Oil minister warned contractors to speed up project delivery, stressing contract withdrawal and possible cancellation for poor performance or delays. Regional Integration & Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani reaffirmed Mauritania’s ECOWAS integration push in Sierra Leone and met Kuwait’s crown prince, highlighting debt settlement support and interest in renewable energy and investment. Blue Economy & Ports: Mauritania participated in offshore oil and gas technology talks in Houston and engaged the US Coast Guard on seaport cooperation, including visits to Nouadhibou and Nouakchott. Mali Conflict Fallout: Amnesty International renewed scrutiny of Mali’s security partnership, alleging war crimes by Malian forces and Wagner-linked fighters along the Mauritania border, with reported civilian killings and torture.

Renewables Finance: Mauritania and France signed a €39.2m concessional loan in Nouakchott to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban gaps and expand access to electricity. Energy Execution: The Energy Minister urged oil and power service contractors to speed up project delivery, warning of contract withdrawals and cancellations for poor performance or delays. Gas Roadmap: President El Ghazouani said Mauritania joined the Gas Exporting Countries Forum as an observer ahead of potential LNG export readiness from the Great Ahmeim turtle field by year-end, under an integrated low-carbon energy strategy. Mining & Trade Links: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its West and Central Africa dealer network, expanding Movicortes’ coverage to include Mauritania and setting up direct support for mining customers. Regional Business: The Mauritania–Morocco Business Forum ended with a joint council pushing technical committees to speed up trade and priority projects. Mali Border Fallout: Amnesty International released a report alleging war crimes by Mali’s forces and Wagner/Africa Corps along the Mauritania border, documenting killings, torture and disappearances between 2023-2025.

Mali–Mauritania border accountability: Amnesty International says at least 34 civilians were unlawfully killed in seven Malian localities between June 2023 and Dec 2025, alleging torture, enforced disappearances, looting and drone strikes by Mali’s armed forces and Wagner-linked fighters, with research drawing on testimony gathered in Mauritania. Energy finance & delivery pressure: Morocco’s $25bn African Atlantic Gas Pipeline is seeking private and multilateral funding ahead of a Q4 2026 investment decision, with early links planned to connect Morocco with gas resources in Mauritania and Senegal. Gas execution over reserves: A Schneider Electric West Africa executive warns West Africa’s gas boom now hinges on building and delivering projects on schedule, not just having reserves. Mauritania business diplomacy: A Mauritanian–Moroccan business forum in Nouakchott pushed for joint technical committees to speed investment in fisheries, agriculture and other priority sectors, while Mauritania’s President met Kosmos Energy to discuss operations. Trade & infrastructure: Morocco and Mauritania signed a framework to rehabilitate and expand the El Guerguerat–Nouakchott road corridor, targeting a stronger North Africa–West Africa land route. Ports & maritime cooperation: Mauritania’s fisheries and port authorities met a US Coast Guard delegation to discuss seaport collaboration and visits to Nouadhibou and Nouakchott. Oil & gas capability building: Mauritania is taking part in offshore oil and gas exploration and exploitation technology talks in Houston, aiming to attract investors and partnerships.

Energy & Investment Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani met Kosmos Energy’s CEO Andrew Inglis, alongside the energy minister, signaling continued focus on Mauritania’s upstream opportunities. Private Sector Returns: Mixta Africa shareholders approved a N12.60 dividend per share at its 18th AGM, with payment set for Sept. 30, after strong property sales in 2025. Oil & Gas Capacity Building: Mauritania is taking part in Houston’s OTC conference with a dedicated pavilion to showcase offshore oil, gas and renewables and meet investors. Banking & Jobs: The IFC discussed cooperation with Mauritania on financing private-sector activity, including investment opportunities in banking and support for women’s employment. Blue Economy & Ports: Mauritania joined the Blue Africa Summit in Tangier and met the US Coast Guard to deepen seaport cooperation, including visits to Nouadhibou and Nouakchott ports. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: A new Morocco–Mauritania road deal targets rehabilitation of the El Guerguerat–Nouakchott corridor, strengthening the North-West Africa to West Africa land route. Humanitarian & Migration: The Mauritanian Coast Guard rescued 260 irregular migrants off Nouakchott, highlighting ongoing maritime migration pressures. Governance & Risk: Amnesty International renewed scrutiny of Mali’s conflict, linking alleged war crimes to operations involving Malian forces and Wagner personnel—an issue with spillover relevance for Mauritania’s security outlook.