Mauritania joined the World Bank in 1963. Since then, World Bank assistance on 86 projects has helped the country promote economic growth and reduce poverty. World Bank Group assistance in Mauritania focuses on supporting (i) economic governance and public sector capacity, (ii) diversified growth through improvement of investment climate and key infrastructure, and (iii) efforts to fight poverty and inequalities in both urban and rural areas.

The Bank's program concentrates on rural development, urban development, and social sector operations, with other specific investments in growth-stimulating sectors, such as mining and energy. The current portfolio has 11 operations for a total of US$294.5 million, with an undisbursed balance of US$149.6 million. The portfolio also includes three regional projects, of which Mauritania’s share is $66.9 million. With the regional program, the total Mauritania portfolio is $361.4 million. In Fiscal Year 2006, the Bank delivered a Second Health and Nutrition Project (US$10 million), a GEF Capacity Building Watershed Management grant (US$6.4 million), and two Regional projects: i) Senegal River Basin Multi-Purpose Water Resources Development Project (US$31.8 million); and ii) OMVS Felou Hydroelectric Project (US$25 million). In Fiscal Year 2007, the Bank delivered a Capacity Building Project (US$13 million), and an Additional Financing Credit to the Second Mining Sector Capacity Building Project (PRISM2) (US$5 million).

For more on the World Bank in Mauritania, visit the Country Brief.