On November 5, 2026, Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani inaugurated the first phase of the emergency development program for Nouakchott, the country's capital, and launched the second phase. The program aims to improve infrastructure, basic services, and living conditions for the city's residents. The President attended the ceremony in Nouakchott's Southern State, where he reviewed the achievements of the first phase and highlighted the second phase's objectives.
The first phase of the program, which cost 69 billion ouguiya, was implemented over 16 months and covered various sectors, including education, healthcare, water, sanitation, and electricity. The education sector saw the completion of 1335 classrooms, while the healthcare sector saw the establishment of 18 health centers, with five more expected to be completed soon. The water and sanitation sector achieved 100% completion, with all projects related to drinking water and the elimination of stagnant water bodies finished.
In the electricity and public lighting sector, the completion rate reached 92.9%, and the urban roads sector was completed at 100%. The youth and sports sector also saw the completion of all projects, except for the Olympic swimming pool, which is 60% complete. The environmental and urban planning sector achieved 100% completion, with all projects related to waste management and urban development finished.
The second phase of the program will be implemented over 16 months, with a budget of 115 billion ouguiya. The phase aims to build on the achievements of the first phase and expand developmental interventions, including new projects that address the aspirations of the population and modernize the capital city's infrastructure. The education sector will focus on increasing school capacity, while the healthcare sector will emphasize specialized medicine and emergency care.
The second phase will also focus on expanding and upgrading water and sanitation networks, improving electricity and public lighting, and enhancing the road network. Five new bridges will be built at major intersections, and youth will have more spaces for sports and talent development. The program also aims to make urban development a key component of the second phase.
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister, the President of the National Assembly, and government ministers. The event was also attended by local authorities, including the governors of Nouakchott's states and municipalities.
The emergency development program for Nouakchott is a significant initiative aimed at improving the living conditions of the city's residents. The program's second phase is expected to have a positive impact on the city's infrastructure, services, and economy.
Key points
- The program aims to enhance infrastructure and services in Nouakchott.
- The second phase of the program has a budget of 115 billion ouguiya.
- The program focuses on education, healthcare, water, sanitation, and electricity sectors.
