On Tuesday morning, Mauritania's Minister of Fisheries and Port Infrastructure, Aissata Lam, conducted a field visit to the independent port of Nouakchott, commonly referred to as "Port of Friendship". The purpose of her visit was to evaluate the port's operations, assess its performance, and identify the main challenges and opportunities for development. She was received at the port entrance by the General Manager of the Port Authority, Lmerabit Ould Benahi, and his senior colleagues.
During her visit, Minister Lam chaired an expanded meeting with port officials, employees, and several stakeholders in the port sector. The meeting included a presentation by the Port's General Manager, who reviewed the key indicators and statistics related to the port's activities in 2025. The presentation highlighted the port's significant role in providing employment opportunities and contributing to the country's economic growth. The port has created over 2,000 jobs and hosts more than 30 companies operating in the port sector.
Minister Lam also received a presentation from the Managing Director of SOGETRAP-SA, Mustafa Ould Hassan, on the progress made in reforming and organizing the port labor force. The company was established in 2022 as a partnership between the independent port of Nouakchott, representing the state with a 51% stake, and private employers, holding a 49% stake. The creation of SOGETRAP-SA was a result of decisions made by the Joint Ministerial Committee, set up in 2021, under the instructions of the President of the Republic, aimed at reforming the port sector and regulating the labor force.
As part of her visit, Minister Lam, accompanied by the Port's General Manager and a delegation, conducted a field tour of several key facilities and infrastructure within the port. The tour began in the southwestern part of the port, where she received technical explanations on the wave breakers and their role in mitigating the impact of the sea and protecting port facilities. The tour also included a visit to the Nouakchott Container Terminal, where she was briefed on the terminal's operations, management, and the role of the technical team in ensuring smooth operations.
During her visit, Minister Lam was accompanied by several officials, advisors, and central managers from her ministry. The minister's visit aimed to assess the port's performance, identify areas for improvement, and explore opportunities for development. The port of Nouakchott plays a vital role in Mauritania's economy, handling a significant volume of trade and commerce.
The Port of Friendship, also known as the independent port of Nouakchott, is a critical infrastructure for Mauritania's economic growth. The port's strategic location and modern facilities make it an essential hub for trade and commerce in the region. Minister Lam's visit highlighted the government's commitment to improving the port's operations and performance, which is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy.
The visit by Minister Aissata Lam to the independent port of Nouakchott demonstrates the government's efforts to enhance the port's efficiency and competitiveness. The port's development is crucial for Mauritania's economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. The minister's assessment of the port's operations and performance will inform policy decisions aimed at improving the port's contribution to the country's economy.
Key points
- Minister Aissata Lam visited the independent port of Nouakchott to assess its operations and performance.
- The port has created over 2,000 jobs and hosts more than 30 companies operating in the port sector.
- The visit aimed to identify areas for improvement and explore opportunities for development.
