IFC Financing for Hospitality: The International Finance Corporation committed up to $15m to Grands Hôtels de Mauritanie to expand the Sheraton Nouakchott Hotel, boosting Mauritania’s business tourism capacity and creating jobs plus new supplier opportunities. Inflation Watch: Mauritania’s local commodity prices rose sharply in June 2026, pushing annual inflation for locally produced goods to 10.2% and lifting overall consumer prices by 9.2% year-on-year, with fish and red meat among the biggest drivers. Oil & Gas Round-Up: Murphy Oil and Chariot have applied for offshore exploration acreage in Mauritania’s Coastal basin, as Nouakchott looks to attract new upstream players after recent exits. Energy Infrastructure in Nouakchott: The prime minister says two major projects—expanding a 72MW power plant and adding 100,000m³ of liquid fuel storage—are on track for completion before end-2026 to strengthen energy security. Trade & Logistics: Morocco reopened onion exports to African markets, but tomatoes and potatoes remain restricted; the report links shifting routes to congestion at the Rosso border crossing between Mauritania and Senegal. Connectivity Push: The Via Africa submarine cable system is moving forward with a Europe-to-Africa Atlantic route that includes Mauritania, aiming to improve regional digital connectivity. Business Tourism & Diplomacy: Vietnam and Mauritania reaffirmed plans to deepen trade and investment, including fisheries and energy cooperation.