Mauritania has obtained a €21 million loan from France to enhance its civil protection capabilities. The loan agreement, signed on November 2, 2026, in Nouakchott, will fund the construction of a national civil protection school and 10 new intervention centers. The agreement was signed by Mauritanian Minister of Economic Affairs and Development Mohamedou Ahmedou Ould Mahimmed and French Ambassador Emmanuel Pisani.
The project, with a total cost of €39.3 million, also includes the creation of a volunteer force, the reactivation of a free emergency hotline, training for local elected officials on disaster response, and capacity building for the National Civil Protection Commission. The funding is a combination of the French sovereign loan, a European Union grant, and a contribution from the Mauritanian state.
An additional agreement worth €4 million was signed to support the development of vocational training. The agreement will transform a vocational training school in Nouakchott into a model institute specializing in industrial and domestic refrigeration, electricity, welding, and carpentry. The French Development Agency will implement the project over three years.
Mauritanian Minister of Economic Affairs and Development Mohamedou Ahmedou Ould Mahimmed stated that the signing represents a step forward in strengthening cooperation between the two countries in civil protection and vocational training. French Ambassador Emmanuel Pisani emphasized that the agreements add to France's significant financing portfolio in Mauritania.
The French Development Agency has been active in Mauritania for several years, focusing on education, decentralization, food security, and health. The agency's efforts aim to support Mauritania's development goals. The implementation of the projects will follow the schedules determined by the concerned authorities in both countries.
The civil protection school and intervention centers will enhance Mauritania's response to emergencies and disasters. The volunteer force and emergency hotline will also improve the country's ability to respond to crises. The vocational training institute will provide specialized training in various technical fields.
The cooperation between Mauritania and France aims to support the country's development and improve the living conditions of its citizens. The projects will contribute to the country's efforts to strengthen its institutions and improve its resilience to disasters.
Key points
- The loan agreement includes a €21 million loan for civil protection and a €4 million grant for vocational training.
- The projects aim to enhance Mauritania's response to emergencies and disasters.
- The French Development Agency has been active in Mauritania for several years, supporting various development sectors.
