Abdallah Ould Sheikh Sidya, Mauritania's former economy minister, has officially taken over as head of Simaaf, the company operating the Manantali and Fouta dams. The handover ceremony took place in Nouakchott last week, marking the end of Dr. Mohamed Ali Ould Sidi Mohamed's tenure. Ould Sheikh Sidya was appointed to the position on October 13, 2026, and his predecessor was appointed as a minister-counselor to the presidency on October 10.
Ould Sheikh Sidya served as Mauritania's economy minister from September 18, 2025, to October 9, 2026. Prior to this, he held the position of finance minister in 2003 and was part of the transitional government's cabinets between 2005 and 2007. He also managed the National Health Insurance Fund from July 2023 to February 2024. The Manantali dam, located on the Bafing River in Mali, has a capacity of 200 megawatts and is operated by Simaaf on behalf of the Senegal River Investment Organization.
The Senegal River Investment Organization, comprising Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, and Guinea, benefits from the electricity generated by the Manantali and Fouta dams. The dams' electricity is distributed among the member countries through a shared transmission network. Mauritania is one of the countries benefiting from the electricity generated by these dams. The Manantali dam's 200-megawatt capacity is generated by five turbines.
Simaaf is a joint company responsible for operating the Manantali and Fouta hydroelectric facilities in western Mali. The company's operations are critical to the regional energy supply. However, no statements were made by the outgoing and incoming managers during the handover ceremony, according to media sources that covered the event.
The appointment of Ould Sheikh Sidya as head of Simaaf reflects the ongoing efforts to optimize the management and operation of the Manantali and Fouta dams. The dams play a vital role in the region's energy landscape, and their effective management is crucial for the economic development of the member countries.
The energy cooperation between Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, and Guinea is an essential aspect of regional integration. The Senegal River Investment Organization aims to harness the region's hydroelectric potential to promote economic growth and development. The effective management of Simaaf is critical to achieving these goals.
The future of Simaaf under Ould Sheikh Sidya's leadership will be closely watched by stakeholders in the region. His experience in managing various portfolios, including the economy and finance ministries, is expected to bring a new perspective to the company's operations. The region's energy needs are growing, and Simaaf's role in meeting these needs will continue to be significant.
Key points
- Mauritania's former economy minister, Abdallah Ould Sheikh Sidya, has taken over as head of Simaaf, the company operating the Manantali and Fouta dams.
