Overview

In 1963 the World Bank opened its Mauritania country office in Nouakchott and executed its first development project in the country, by providing financing to MIFERMA, a French company operating in the mining sector.

This partnership has grown steadily since 1985, as a result of the signing of the first Economic and Financial Recovery Programme with the Government. Practically all sectors have benefited from World Bank operations. This collaboration has mobilized and continues to mobilize significant financial resources.

On September 3, 2009, the World Bank’s portfolio in Mauritania consisted of 17 national and regional development assistance projects representing US$413 million in IDA commitments, of which US$175 million is undisbursed.

The World Bank’s program focuses on rural development, urban development, and social sector operations. It also includes specific investments in growth-stimulating sectors, such as mining and energy.

In fiscal year 2006, the World Bank approved a second Health and Nutrition Project (US$10 million). Through the Global Environment Facility, it also provided a Capacity Building Watershed Management grant (US$6.4 million) and successfully carried out two regional activities, namely:

(i) the Senegal River Basin Multi-Purpose Water Resources Development Project (US$31.8 million); and (ii) the Félou Hydroelectric Project of the Senegal River Basin Authority  [Organisation pour la Mise en Valeur du fleuve Sénégal OMVS] (US$25 million).

In fiscal year 2007, it implemented a capacity-building project (US$13 million) and granted an additional financing credit to the Second Mining Sector Capacity Building Project (US$5 million). In fiscal year 2008, the World Bank signed an agreement for the private sector (Business Environment Enhancement Project for a total of US$10 million), a transport sector Institutional Development and Technical Assistance Project (US$4.5 million), an Education Fast-Track Initiative grant for a total of US$23 million, and a catalytic fund for a section of the Nouakchott-Rosso highway.