The Mauritanian government has implemented a new classification system for construction companies, aiming to address the challenge of distinguishing between companies based on their actual capabilities. The decree, issued in November 2022, establishes a national system for classifying construction companies based on objective criteria. This system requires companies to submit their qualifications and capabilities, including financial, technical, and human resources, to participate in public projects. The reform has been in effect since January 2024.
As of August 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning, and Territorial Development reported that 255 national companies had been classified, with 973 applications received since the launch of the electronic platform in January 2024. These classified companies operate in various fields, including buildings, water networks, well drilling, roads, dams, sanitation, electricity, and agricultural development. By March 2026, the number of classified companies had increased to 380, reflecting an expanding base of companies required to demonstrate their capabilities before undertaking projects.
The reform has had a positive impact on the job market, with the classification of 350 companies leading to the creation of over 2,800 direct job opportunities, particularly for engineering and technical skills. This outcome highlights the importance of the classification system in encouraging companies to organize their human resources and demonstrate their capacity to execute projects. The classification system has also promoted specialization, with companies now operating in specific areas, such as building, water networks, and road construction.
The Mauritanian government has established an electronic platform to facilitate the classification process, increasing transparency and improving performance. The platform, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning, and Territorial Development, relies on information related to companies' financial capabilities, workforce, and tax and social security data. This approach enables a more accurate assessment of companies' capabilities, rather than relying solely on self-declarations.
The government has initiated a review and development process for the classification system, with a meeting held in December 2025 to evaluate the experience and identify areas for improvement. The review highlighted the need to refine procedures, accelerate the classification process, and ensure the accuracy of information used in the classification. In August 2026, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting to review the decree and make adjustments based on feedback from the field.
The Minister of Housing, Urban Planning, and Territorial Development, Naha Bent Hamdi Ould Meknas, recently announced plans to extend the classification system to include supervision and monitoring offices, as well as construction companies. The proposed reforms aim to reduce the number of committee members and introduce a technical subcommittee to oversee the classification process. This expansion reflects the government's efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework and promote accountability in the construction sector.
The classification system has marked a significant step towards reorganizing Mauritania's construction sector, providing a mechanism for determining companies' capabilities and linking project sizes to their capacities. The reform has also promoted digitalization and transparency, with plans to expand the system to include supervision and monitoring offices. The success of the next phase will depend on the effective implementation of these reforms and their impact on the sector.
Key points
- The new classification system has led to the creation of over 2,800 job opportunities in the construction sector.
- The system has promoted specialization among construction companies, with 380 companies classified across various fields.
- The government plans to extend the classification system to include supervision and monitoring offices, further strengthening the regulatory framework.
