The Mauritanian government has taken a significant step towards reforming its public procurement system with the adoption of a decree implementing the new public procurement code. The code, which was promulgated on June 10, 2026, aims to rationalize public spending, increase transparency, and promote good governance. The decree was adopted during a cabinet meeting chaired by the Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication, and Relations with Parliament, Mohamed Ould Babana.
The new public procurement code is part of a broader effort to modernize the country's economic and institutional framework. According to the Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Mohamedou Ahmedou Ould Mhaimid, the reform is designed to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, based on equity and equal opportunities. The code also aims to strengthen the accountability of public actors and improve the performance of the administration.
The reform was conducted in consultation with all stakeholders, including regulatory and control authorities, contracting authorities, public procurement commissions, the private sector, civil society, and technical and financial partners. The new code introduces several key changes, including the restructuring of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, which becomes the Regulatory Authority for Public Procurement with expanded missions and powers.
The new code also establishes a National Control Commission for Public Procurement, which will be responsible for monitoring and controlling public procurement procedures. Additionally, a National Observatory for Public Procurement will be created to produce reliable data and reports to support decision-making. The code also introduces measures to professionalize public procurement actors, including a qualification system and performance monitoring.
The reform aims to strengthen good governance and prevent corruption by introducing measures such as asset and interest declarations for public procurement actors. The code also provides for the gradual dematerialization of public procurement procedures. Furthermore, the code introduces a national preference mechanism, which gives a margin of preference to qualified national enterprises competing with foreign enterprises.
The Minister of Economic Affairs and Development emphasized that the reform is not a short-term measure, but a long-term process aimed at modernizing the public procurement system. He also highlighted the importance of control and monitoring in ensuring the effective implementation of the reform. The government has established a system of control and monitoring, which includes internal inspections, financial inspections, and the General Inspectorate of State.
The new public procurement code is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and development. By increasing transparency and good governance, the code aims to promote more efficient use of public resources and improve the delivery of public services. The government has expressed its commitment to implementing the reform and ensuring its effective monitoring and evaluation.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government has adopted a decree implementing a new public procurement code aimed at increasing transparency and good governance.
- The new code introduces several key changes, including the restructuring of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority and the establishment of a National Control Commission for Public Procurement.
- The reform aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, strengthen accountability, and improve the performance of the administration.
