Mauritania's Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Abdallah Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidya, launched the Mauritania-US Economic Forum in Nouakchott on Monday, October 5, 2026. The event was attended by a high-level US delegation comprising businessmen, representatives of companies, and economic institutions. The forum aims to identify promising investment opportunities in Mauritania and explore avenues for cooperation and sustainable commercial and economic partnerships between the private sectors of both countries.
The forum was organized in collaboration with the National Union of Employers, the Mauritania-US Business Council, and the Washington Insight Group. Minister Sidya emphasized that this visit is a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and elevating economic cooperation, reflecting the vision of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani to enhance international partnerships. He highlighted the government's efforts to implement ambitious reforms to improve the business climate and provide legal security.
Mauritania boasts a stable and secure environment, along with a legal framework and a specialized agency to promote investments and develop partnerships between the public and private sectors. The country has a strategic location and attractive investment opportunities in vital sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture, animal husbandry, logistics, and digital economy. The government's development vision focuses on converting resources into local added value by developing manufacturing industries, value chains, and technology transfer.
Minister Sidya praised the recent extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by the US Congress until the end of 2028, which allows 32 countries, including Mauritania, to export their products to the US market duty-free. He considered this a crucial step in promoting trade exchanges. The minister also noted that Mauritania's participation in AGOA offers vast opportunities for cooperation and investment with US companies.
The Mauritania-US Economic Forum provides a platform for businessmen and investors from both countries to engage in discussions and negotiations on potential partnerships and investments. The event is expected to foster greater economic cooperation and understanding between Mauritania and the US. Participants will explore ways to enhance trade and investment ties, promoting economic growth and development in both countries.
The US delegation's visit to Mauritania is seen as a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic relations. The forum is expected to yield concrete outcomes, including potential investments and partnerships that can contribute to Mauritania's economic development. The country's strategic location and natural resources make it an attractive destination for investors.
The Mauritania-US Economic Forum is a testament to the growing economic ties between Mauritania and the US. The event has brought together key stakeholders from both countries to discuss opportunities and challenges in the economic sphere. As the forum concludes, participants are expected to have gained a deeper understanding of the potential for cooperation and investment between Mauritania and the US.
Key points
- The forum aims to identify promising investment opportunities in Mauritania and explore avenues for cooperation and sustainable commercial and economic partnerships between the private sectors of both countries.
