Ahmednah Alleges Irregularities in Mauritania's Fishing Sector

Ahmednah, president of Nouakchott Crédit S.A, has publicly denounced alleged irregularities in the management of a €19 million fund from the German Development Cooperation (KFW). The fund was intended to support small-scale fishermen and develop the fishing industry. During a press conference broadcast on social media on November 9, 2026, Ahmednah questioned the role of technical assistance provider IPS and the involvement of private banks in the project.

According to Ahmednah, the private banks and IPS prioritized settling debts of existing borrowers over providing financing to small-scale fishermen. He also raised concerns about the National Fish Distribution Company, citing questionable practices in the guarantee mechanisms for fish supply programs targeting women. Ahmednah claimed that his microfinance company had proposed a partnership to the National Fish Distribution Company, which was rejected.

Ahmednah alleged that the director of the National Fish Distribution Company made defamatory statements against him after the partnership proposal was rejected. He also implicated several high-ranking officials, including the President of the National Assembly, a former Minister of Interior, and the Minister of Mines, suggesting possible complicity in irregularities in the fishing sector.

The allegations also target certain fishing federations, which Ahmednah claims have assumed roles beyond their mandate. He accused them of substituting the Ministry of Fisheries in the contract between Mauritania and Senegal, raising questions about their legitimacy and role in managing institutional commitments.

Ahmednah further alleged that he was a victim of fraudulent practices by certain federations during the Ramadan operation, an annual program worth 200 million ouguiyas aimed at supporting the President's political programs. He accused these federations and administrative officials of complicity in embezzlement.

Ahmednah has proposed a public-private partnership to the new Minister of Fisheries, Aissata Lam, aimed at creating a sustainable fish supply system for 52 women beneficiaries of his microfinance company's programs. The partnership would involve his company's market in Dar Naïm – Tensoulem and its microfinance activities.

The proposed partnership seeks to establish a legal and operational framework for organizing fish supply, distribution, and financing, specifically targeting women fish traders and program beneficiaries. This initiative aims to facilitate access to fish and promote economic development among women in the sector.

Key points

• Allegations of irregularities and embezzlement in Mauritania's fishing sector
• Proposal for public-private partnership to support women in the fishing industry
• Concerns raised about management of KFW-funded project and involvement of private banks and IPS