Nouakchatt – Mauritania has significantly filled the potential of untapped natural resources and untapped agriculture businesses, and has introduced the necessary reforms to make the Northwest African nation a more attractive investment destination. It was a message delivered to visiting journalists on behalf of the government by the communications coordinator of Agence De Promotion Des Investments at Mauritania (APIM) Maimouna Gah El Hilal.
Dressed in a malafa – a traditional gown worn by almost all Mauritanian women – she outlined the advances made in managing natural resources and creating a more seamless process for investors. Large deposits of gold, uranium, iron and copper provide important “promises” in the mining sector, Hilal said.
Mauritania’s agriculture potential also highlights most desert nations. In a “cultivable area” of 513,000 hectares, farmers produce tens of thousands of tons of vegetables, rice, grains and millions of livestock. The marine fisheries sector is another major pillar of the national economy, providing a source of employment for tens of thousands of Mauritans, while compensating for a significant portion of export revenue.
Despite progress, limited infrastructure, including unstable power sources and lack of skilled human resources, poses a challenge to attracting investment, according to Mohammed El Habib Toure, senior director of APIM. Toule said the Mauritania government is taking steps to address the issue through increased spending on education.
However, these challenges are not inherent to Mauritania. They are highlighted by various development agencies as some of the risks that hinder growth across the continent. Several candidates for AFDB President have emphasized the need to prioritize HR development on the post pitch. Senegale’s Amadou Hot recently called for more investment in education to develop human capital on the continent, noting that it is “not only to have education and skills, but to have employment opportunities.”
Mauritania’s Sidi, another candidate to address the press in Noagcott on Tuesday, says it’s important to maximize the potential of young people on the continent. “We need to work on my demographics and turn it into power,” he told Germany Well in April. The country’s current Minister of Economic and Finance, Sid’ahmed Bouh has actively engaged both African and non-African members of the AFDB Group and launched a diplomatic campaign to support TAH’s candidacy.
Related: Mauritania’s sidi oud tah to announce its vision to lead the African Development Bank
