The Mauritanian government has pledged to cap meat prices and provide compensation to low-income workers, military personnel, and pensioners for the effects of inflation. This commitment was made by Prime Minister Moukhtar Ould Ajay during a policy statement before the National Assembly in Nouakchott. The measures are set to be implemented immediately after gaining the parliament's approval, expected on November 9.
Meat will join the list of price-capped goods, which already includes wheat, rice, sugar, and oils. The compensation will come in the form of salary increases, pension hikes, or temporary financial support. The government has also promised to negotiate urgently with workers covered by collective agreements. Additionally, it will temporarily cover part of the water and electricity bills for low-income families and expand support for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
In the livestock sector, the government has vowed to stabilize feed prices, purchase sufficient quantities, and sell them at cost price when necessary. A comprehensive program for drilling pastoral wells is also in the works. Several rural regions are currently experiencing drought due to poor rainfall, with the price of a ton of feed exceeding 380,000 old ouguiyas last summer.
These measures come amid a challenging economic environment, with an annual inflation rate of 9.3% in September 2026, according to the National Statistics Agency. Food prices have seen an annual increase of 12.5%. The government's program aims to mitigate the impact of rising costs on the population, particularly those with limited incomes.
The policy statement also included an announcement of a national vision for 2060, which will be translated into a development plan with measurable indicators. This long-term vision seeks to drive economic growth and improve living standards.
However, some critics argue that the government's measures are insufficient. Mohamed Ould Rabani, General Secretary of the Mauritanian Workers' Confederation, described the social measures as "temporary and partial." The program is being presented under Article 42 of the Constitution, which mandates the government to be accountable to the National Assembly.
The government's ability to implement these measures and effectively address the economic challenges facing Mauritania remains to be seen. The country's economic growth and stability will depend on various factors, including the success of its development plans and its ability to manage inflation.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government has pledged to cap meat prices and provide compensation to low-income workers and pensioners for inflation.
- The measures aim to mitigate the impact of rising costs on the population, particularly those with limited incomes.
- A national vision for 2060 has been announced, seeking to drive economic growth and improve living standards.
