The World Bank has approved $1.64 billion in financing for Mauritania between July 2019 and June 30, 2026. This amount exceeds the $1.63 billion provided to the country from its first loan in March 1960 to June 2019. According to data from the World Bank updated as of August 31, 2026, the total financing since 1960 now stands at $3.27 billion, distributed across 112 financing operations. These funds primarily consist of concessional loans from the International Development Association with long repayment periods, as well as grants.
The significant increase in financing began in the 2020 financial year, following a relatively low $22.5 million committed in 2019 for two projects. The financing amounts for subsequent years were as follows: 2020 and 2021, over $290 million each, largely due to COVID-19 response financing; 2022, $92 million; 2023, $125 million; 2024, $271 million; 2025, a record $325 million; and 2026, $231 million for eight projects until the end of the financial year on June 30. This recent surge is attributed to increased resources from the International Development Association and Mauritania's full utilization of its national allocations.
The World Bank financing includes support for various projects and programs, such as those in the energy sector, digital integration, and enhancing coastal resilience. Some of these funds have been allocated through separate financing windows for regional programs. Additionally, direct budget support resumed with $30 million approved in November 2025 as part of the first Development Policy Financing under the 2026-2030 partnership.
As of August 31, 2026, Mauritania had received a total of $788 million and still owed $651 million to the World Bank. The approved financing does not necessarily reflect the actual disbursed funds or the outstanding debt. The new partnership framework for 2026-2030 includes indicative allocations of 160.2 million Special Drawing Rights, not counting resources that can be mobilized from regional programs.
Despite the substantial financing approved, a significant portion remains undisbursed. As of August 31, 2026, $805.6 million in approved financing had not yet been disbursed, primarily linked to energy and digital sector projects approved since 2021. This situation places the implementation of projects and disbursement of funds as key challenges for the upcoming period.
The increase in World Bank financing to Mauritania is also linked to the country's improved alignment with the Bank's strategic priorities and its capacity to prepare and implement projects. The surge in financing reflects a strengthened partnership between Mauritania and the World Bank, aiming to support the country's development objectives.
Moving forward, the effective implementation of the financed projects and the disbursement of the committed funds will be crucial for Mauritania to achieve its development goals. The World Bank's continued support is expected to play a significant role in addressing the country's challenges and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Key points
- The World Bank has approved $1.64 billion in financing for Mauritania between 2019 and 2026.
- The total World Bank financing to Mauritania since 1960 now stands at $3.27 billion.
- $805.6 million in approved financing remains undisbursed as of August 31, 2026.
