INTREVIEW: Mauritania Offers Golden Opportunities for Saudi Investors: Envoy Moktar Ould Dahi

Strong Diplomatic Foundations with Room for Economic Growth

Mauritania and Saudi Arabia enjoy excellent political and diplomatic relations, characterized by shared views on regional and global issues. High-level engagements, such as the recent meeting between Mauritania’s president and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the Hajj, reinforce this partnership.

Despite these strong ties, the economic relationship has yet to reach its full potential. Current trade volumes fall short of the ambitions shared by both countries. Mauritania is actively working to enhance trade flows, capital investment, and human resource exchange to foster a more dynamic economic partnership.

The Saudi-Mauritanian Business Council: A Catalyst for Trade

The establishment of the Saudi-Mauritanian Business Council marks a significant development in bilateral economic cooperation. This joint council aims to stimulate trade and investment by facilitating private sector partnerships between the two countries.

A recent visit by a large Saudi delegation, led by the president of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, demonstrated mutual commitment to this initiative. The council will focus on workshops designed to identify and promote collaborative ventures, leveraging Mauritania’s abundant investment opportunities and Saudi Arabia’s substantial capital resources.

Mining: Unlocking Mauritania’s Vast Mineral Wealth

Mauritania’s mining sector stands out as a prime area for Saudi investment, aligning well with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. The country possesses approximately 15 billion tons of iron ore reserves, alongside significant deposits of gold (estimated at 250 million ounces), copper, uranium, phosphate, and gypsum.

Developing these resources, particularly through partnerships that combine Saudi capital and expertise, could transform Mauritania’s steel industry and generate substantial returns for investors from both nations. This sector represents a strategic opportunity to diversify economic activities and deepen bilateral economic ties.

Green Hydrogen: A Forward-Looking Energy Collaboration

Green hydrogen is emerging as a promising frontier for cooperation between Mauritania and Saudi Arabia. Mauritania is among the few countries with a dedicated legal framework for green hydrogen, recognizing its potential as a clean energy source.

Saudi Arabia’s strong interest in green hydrogen complements Mauritania’s strategic positioning. Saudi companies have already shown interest in exploring Mauritania’s potential in this sector, signaling the possibility of fruitful collaboration that supports both countries’ energy transition objectives.

Fishing Sector: From Raw Exports to Value-Added Processing

Mauritania’s extensive 750-kilometer Atlantic coastline offers one of the richest fishing grounds globally. The country currently exports about 1.8 million tons of fish annually, predominantly as raw material with limited processing.

Saudi investors have opportunities to engage in two key areas: acquiring fishing licenses to operate in Mauritanian waters and establishing fish processing and manufacturing facilities. The Mauritanian government provides attractive incentives for foreign investors, aiming to add value locally and create employment.

Agriculture: Expanding Cultivation and Food Security

Agriculture in Mauritania holds significant growth potential, with 500,000 hectares of arable land along the Senegal River, only a quarter of which is currently cultivated. This presents vast opportunities for land reclamation and irrigation projects.

Recent achievements include self-sufficiency in rice production and advancements in vegetable farming. The country’s fertile land is also suitable for wheat cultivation. Saudi investment could accelerate agricultural development, enhancing food security and generating profitable returns.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Enhanced Partnership

The future of Mauritania-Saudi relations appears promising, grounded in strong diplomatic ties and expanding economic opportunities. Mauritania offers a stable environment with untapped potential across multiple sectors attractive to Saudi investors.

The key challenge and opportunity lie in effectively connecting Saudi capital with Mauritania’s investment prospects. As this linkage strengthens, economic relations are expected to surpass current ambitions, fostering prosperity and development for both countries.

What this means

Mauritania stands at a pivotal moment to deepen its economic partnership with Saudi Arabia. With strong diplomatic relations as a backdrop, the country’s rich natural resources and strategic sectors offer compelling opportunities for Saudi investors seeking diversification and growth. The establishment of the Saudi-Mauritanian Business Council and ongoing government incentives create a conducive environment for collaboration. By bridging capital and opportunity, both nations can realize a prosperous future marked by enhanced trade, job creation, and sustainable development.