On October 1, 2026, the governor of Mauritania's Hodh El Gharbi region, Islem Ould Sidi, presided over a ceremony in the city of Nema to symbolically hand over funding and grants to 400 beneficiaries. The funding is part of the "Tawafaq" project, which aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises and income-generating activities. The project is financed by the European Union with a budget of 1.717 million euros and implemented by the organization "Action Against Hunger" (ACF) in collaboration with several technical partners.

The "Tawafaq" project aims to promote economic inclusion and social cohesion among vulnerable groups, particularly young people and women. The governor emphasized that the launch of this funding demonstrates the public authorities' commitment to economically empowering the most vulnerable groups. He encouraged beneficiaries to use these resources to ensure the sustainability of their projects. The project coordinator, Aliou Wan, explained that the initiative targets eight provinces in the region to support the creation and development of local enterprises.

The funding will enable beneficiaries to launch and develop their income-generating activities. Some beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for this initiative, stating that the equipment and financial grants allocated to them will directly contribute to launching their activities and developing their productive capacities. The ceremony was attended by administrative and security authorities, the mayor of Nema, heads of concerned technical services, and representatives of international donor organizations.

The "Tawafaq" project is implemented in partnership with several organizations, including the "Djieki" microfinance institution, which will disburse the funds to beneficiaries during the current week. The project includes an exhibition of supported projects, showcasing the initiatives of beneficiaries. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups.

The European Union's support for the "Tawafaq" project reflects its commitment to promoting economic development and social inclusion in Mauritania. The project is aligned with the country's efforts to reduce poverty and promote economic growth. The Mauritanian government has been working to create an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and job creation, particularly for young people and women.

The "Tawafaq" project is one of several initiatives aimed at supporting economic development in Mauritania's Hodh El Gharbi region. The region faces significant development challenges, including high poverty rates and limited access to finance. The project is expected to contribute to addressing these challenges and improving the quality of life for local communities.

The launch of the "Tawafaq" project in Nema marks a significant milestone in the region's economic development. The project's success will depend on the effective implementation of the funded projects and the beneficiaries' ability to sustain their activities. The Mauritanian authorities and international partners will closely monitor the project's progress and impact.

Key points

  • The "Tawafaq" project has a budget of 1.717 million euros and will support 400 small and medium-sized enterprises and income-generating activities in Mauritania's Hodh El Gharbi region.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.