Mauritania presented its new investment law at the Doha Forum, a global investment event held in Qatar from October 25-27. The country's Trade and Tourism Minister, Zeinabou Bent Ahmednah, led the delegation, which included officials from her ministry. The law, adopted in 2025, aims to provide a more attractive and transparent legal framework, enhance investor protection, and direct incentives towards productive investment.
The new investment law is part of Mauritania's efforts to diversify its economy, which currently relies heavily on minerals, fishing, and gas. The country's strategic location, marine and mineral resources, and energy potential make it an attractive destination for investors. Minister Bent Ahmednah emphasized that the required investment should support local resource transformation, technology transfer, and skills development, as well as integrate small and medium-sized enterprises into value chains.
At the Doha Forum, Mauritania sought international support to reform its policies and prepare financeable projects. The country is working on simplifying procedures and improving investor support. Minister Bent Ahmednah disclosed a joint project with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to improve investment policies in support of a digital economy. She called on partners to support Nouakchott in policy reform, regulatory updates, and project preparation.
The Doha Forum focused on investment in energy security, bi minerals, and artificial intelligence. According to UNCTAD data, strategic sectors now account for around half of the value of new investment projects globally, up from 16% in 2020. However, low-income economies and lower-middle-income countries have attracted only about 10% of these investments between 2020 and 2025.
Mauritania's participation in the Doha Forum comes as the government seeks to attract more investment to support its economic development. The country's economy has long been dominated by minerals, fishing, and gas. The government aims to leverage the new investment law to promote economic diversification and sustainable growth.
The Mauritanian delegation's participation in the Doha Forum was seen as a positive step towards promoting the country's investment opportunities. The event provided a platform for Mauritania to showcase its new investment law and engage with potential investors. The country's efforts to improve its business environment and attract more investment are ongoing.
Key areas of focus for Mauritania's investment efforts include a joint project with UNCTAD to improve investment policies in support of a digital economy, requests for international support for regulatory frameworks and investment information, and prioritizing local resource transformation and technology transfer.
Key points
- Mauritania adopts a new investment law to attract more investment and promote economic diversification.
- The country seeks international support to prepare financeable projects and reform its policies.
- The new investment law aims to provide a more attractive and transparent legal framework for investors.
