Matel, a Mauritanian telecommunications company, announced on November 9, 2026, the commercial launch of its 5G network in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. This makes Matel the third operator in Mauritania to offer 5G services, following Chinguittel and Rimatel. The launch was announced during an official ceremony in Nouakchott, attended by the Minister of Digital Transformation and Modernization of Administration, local authorities, and members of the company's board of directors and partners.
Matel's 5G service will initially be available in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, with plans for gradual expansion to other cities. The company did not provide a specific timeline for the expansion or the number of equipped sites. Matel also unveiled a new offer called "Matel Box 5G" for high-speed internet, targeting homes and institutions. Additionally, the company launched a center for network supervision and service continuity, classified as "Tier III".
Matel's digital financial services branch, "Matel Money", was also showcased during the launch. Matel Money has obtained a license from the Central Bank of Mauritania as an electronic money institution, with its electronic wallet "Mychili". According to Matel's General Director, Elias Ben Sassi, these new services constitute an "integrated system" combining new generation connectivity and digital services.
Matel was the first operator to conduct successful 5G trials in Mauritania in November 2023. Chinguittel had launched commercial 5G services in May 2026 in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, followed by Rimatel in late October 2026 in Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, and Rosso. The launch of Matel's 5G service comes after the regulatory authority recently imposed fines exceeding 421 million new ouguiyas on the three operators due to poor service quality.
With Matel's entry into the 5G market, all three mobile operators in Mauritania now offer 5G services. The country's telecommunications sector has been growing rapidly, with a focus on improving service quality and expanding coverage. The government has been working to promote digital transformation and modernization of administration, with the launch of Matel's 5G service seen as a significant step in this direction.
The launch of Matel's 5G service is expected to increase competition in the market, driving innovation and improving services for customers. The company's investment in 5G infrastructure and digital services is seen as a positive development for the country's economy and digital landscape. Further details on the pricing of Matel's 5G services and the number of equipped sites are yet to be disclosed.
The development of 5G services in Mauritania is part of a broader trend across Africa, where countries are rapidly adopting new technologies to drive economic growth and improve living standards. Matel's launch of commercial 5G services is a significant milestone for the company and the country, marking a new era in telecommunications and digital services.
Key points
- Matel launches commercial 5G services in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
- Matel is the third operator to offer 5G services in Mauritania.
- The launch is part of a broader trend of 5G adoption across Africa.
