Mauritania Geo-Economics Overview
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Area : 1,030,000 km2
Coastline : 754 km
Population : 4.65 million (2020)
Density : 3.4/km2 (8.8/sq mi)
Gross domestic product : 7.779 billion USD (2020)
GDP per capita : 1,672.92 USD (2020)
IMPORTS & EXPORTS
EXPORTS
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The top exports of Mauritania
Iron Ore ($1.33B)
Gold ($820M)
Non-fillet Frozen Fish ($417M)
Processed Crustaceans ($293M)
Copper Ore ($206M)
Exporting mostly to
China ($1.26B)
Switzerland ($562M)
Spain ($306M)
Canada ($284M)
Japan ($209M).
IMPORTS
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The top imports of Mauritania
Raw Sugar ($170M)
Wheat ($166M)
Soybean Oil ($140M)
Palm Oil ($113M)
Cars ($95.7M)
Importing mostly from
China ($758M)
France ($270M)
United Arab Emirates ($229M)
Morocco ($189M)
Spain ($159M).
MAIN ECONOMIC SECTORS
Fishing Industry
Mauritania boasts an impressive fishing potential of 1.65 million tons per year. Recognizing this potential, the country and its international partners have invested heavily in the development of the processing chain. Despite this, only 10% of production is currently processed locally, leaving ample room for growth and expansion. By harnessing the significant seafood resources at its disposal, including vast deposits of clams estimated at 300,000 tons, Mauritania is well-positioned to supply consumers around the globe with high-quality pelagic products processed in-country. With the increasing demand for seafood, the fishing industry in Mauritania holds great promise and is an attractive sector for investment.
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Mining Sector
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Mauritania is a mineral-rich country with a thriving mining sector that plays a crucial role in its economy. The country is abundant in iron ore, gold, copper, and gypsum, and is undergoing development for other minerals such as rare earths, phosphates, and uranium. The government has implemented reforms to create a favorable investment climate for foreign investors, and new mines are expected to open in the near future. The government is also committed to sustainable development and has established legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure environmentally responsible mining practices, such as the green steel initiative by the Mauritanian SNIM Company. and the success of partnerships like Kinross Gold further highlight the potential for investment in the mining industry in Mauritania.
Industrial Sector
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In an effort to drive economic growth and create jobs, Mauritania has adopted a strategy for the development of its industrial sector . The main goal of this strategy is to gradually increase the contribution of the industrial sector to GDP. The strategy is based on five key areas of development, including the processing of products from the primary sector such as fishing, livestock, agriculture, and mining. Additionally, the strategy aims to improve the quality and competitiveness of industrial enterprises, establish and develop industrial zones, diversify industrial production, and attract multinational companies to Mauritania through the creation of a favorable business environment, particularly in the Free Zone of Nouadhibou. This strategy aims to create a conducive environment for the development of both domestic and foreign investment, and to support the development of entrepreneurs.
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Mauritania is poised to become a significant global producer of natural gas and a leading player in Africa. With estimated gas reserves of 1400 billion cubic meters, the country has the potential to become a major supplier in the global market. The development of these resources is already underway, with the first phase of production, set to last until 2023 , targeting an annual output of 2.5 million tonnes per year up to 10 million tonnes of LNG per year at a cost of $4.6 billion. operated by BP and Kosmos Energy . This is a significant development for the country's economy and energy sector, and it's expected to bring significant growth and job opportunities
AGRICULTURE
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Mauritania has significant potential in its agricultural sector, with an estimated 500,000 hectares of cultivable land, a livestock of 19 million, and surface water potential of 11 billion cubic meters annually. Agriculture and livestock sector serves as the primary means of subsistence for 62% of the population and is the second-largest employer in the country, providing jobs for 21% of the active population. Despite this potential, the sector remains underdeveloped due to a combination of agro-ecological, social and economic factors. A vast majority of agricultural land, around 90%, remains unexploited or underutilized, with low labor productivity and insufficiently exploited potential in other productions such as dates and Arabic gum . Recognizing this potential, the government has made the development of this sector a major goal and an area for investment that still holds many opportunities.
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Mauritania is making significant strides in the realm of renewable energy. The government's commitment to a sustainable future is evident in its increasing use of natural resources to generate electricity. In 2008, only 1% of electricity was generated from renewable sources, but by 2020, that number had grown to an impressive 37%. The majority of this electricity is generated from hydroelectric, solar, and wind power. The country's renewable energy sector presents numerous opportunities for investment, particularly in the development of green hydrogen projects. By investing in these projects, we can play a part in supporting Mauritania's transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.