Mauritania's Economic Growth Surpasses 4% and External Debt Declines

Mauritanian Prime Minister Mochtar Ould Ajay announced that the country's economic growth has averaged over 4% from 2019 to 2026. He expects this growth to continue above 4% from 2027 to 2029. The external debt has decreased to under 40% of the country's GDP this year. Ould Ajay presented these figures in a speech to the National Assembly, outlining the government's program.

The prime minister highlighted that Mauritania has maintained considerable growth rates despite international crises. He attributed this to effective economic and financial policies that have enhanced the economy's resilience and diversified its sources. These policies have also provided budgetary flexibility. Ould Ajay noted that the government has faced structural and emerging challenges, including international, regional, and national conditions.

Ould Ajay described the past two years, along with the preceding five years, as periods of significant reform and improvement in infrastructure and access to basic services. Economic and development indicators have also shown positive trends. The government has focused on strengthening state institutions and enhancing their ability to meet citizens' expectations.

In the social sector, Ould Ajay stated that the government has allocated substantial financial resources to bolster social protection and alleviate living costs, particularly in light of the Middle East conflict. The government has funded social programs using its own resources, alongside implementing what it describes as the country's largest investment program.

Over 350,000 families have benefited from cash transfers for the first time. The government has also provided financial assistance to retirees and state employees earning less than 120,000 old ouguiyas. Additionally, it has increased the minimum wage. The annual budget allocations for fuel and electricity subsidies exceeded 80 billion old ouguiyas in 2026.

Ould Ajay reported that budget allocations for wages have doubled between 2019 and 2026, accompanied by salary and allowance increases for armed forces and security personnel in 2025 and 2026, and for teachers this year. A fund for teacher housing has been established, benefiting over 1,300 teachers so far.

The number of individuals benefiting from social security has risen from 496,000 in 2019 to over 1.4 million in 2026. Over 279,000 people have been insured through the National Solidarity Fund for Health since its launch in September 2023. The government has expanded insurance coverage to include parents and provided health coverage to over 45,000 university students.

Key points

• Mauritania's economic growth has averaged over 4% from 2019 to 2026.
• The country's external debt has decreased to under 40% of GDP.
• Over 1.4 million people now benefit from social security, up from 496,000 in 2019.