On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Mauritania's National Company for Rural Development (Sonader) and the Training Agency, under the Ministry of Professional Training, Traditional Industry, and Handicrafts, signed a partnership agreement in Nouakchott. The agreement aims to train 30 retired military and security personnel in agricultural fields. This initiative seeks to enhance professional training and open new opportunities for retirees to integrate into the job market and utilize their experience.
The training program will cover areas such as managing agricultural institutions, maintaining and operating agricultural machinery and equipment. This partnership is part of efforts to strengthen professional training and provide new opportunities for retired personnel. Sonader's General Manager, Hamade Ould Didid, emphasized the importance of this partnership, highlighting the company's readiness to utilize its resources to ensure the initiative's success.
The partnership represents a transition from acquiring skills within training institutions to applying and refining them in a professional and productive environment. This approach aims to strengthen the connection between training and job market needs. The Training Agency's General Manager, Mohamed Mahfouz Ibrahim Ahmed, noted that this phase is part of a broader partnership with the Ministry of National Defense, supported by NATO and facilitated by Defense Conseil Internationale (DCI).
The initiative has previously enabled the training of over 85 retired military and security personnel. The program has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defense and the retirees themselves. Colonel Sidi Ould Bou, representing the Directorate of Retirees' Affairs at the Ministry of Defense, praised the initiative, emphasizing the continued collaboration with partners to provide training and integration opportunities for retirees.
Retiree Abdullah Birouk, representing the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation for the program, hoping it would achieve the desired outcomes. He commended the discipline and sense of responsibility that characterized previous training phases. The signing ceremony was attended by several officials, including the Ministry of Defense's Director of Retirees' Affairs, Colonel Ahmed Al-Khairi, and Sonader's Deputy General Manager, Yarbe Ould El-Man.
The partnership between Sonader and the Training Agency reflects a collaborative effort to support the professional integration of retired military and security personnel. By providing targeted training, the initiative aims to equip retirees with the skills needed to contribute to Mauritania's agricultural sector. This program is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the trained individuals and the broader community.
The training program is set to enhance the employability of retired personnel, enabling them to engage in productive activities and contribute to the country's economic development. The partnership is a significant step towards fostering collaboration between public institutions and private companies to address social and economic challenges. Key aspects of the initiative include its focus on practical skills and its potential for long-term impact.
Key points
- Sonader and the Training Agency have partnered to train 30 retired military and security personnel in agricultural fields to enhance their professional integration.
- The training program covers areas such as managing agricultural institutions and maintaining agricultural machinery and equipment.
- The initiative is part of a broader partnership with the Ministry of National Defense, supported by NATO and facilitated by Defense Conseil Internationale (DCI).
