Overview

Mauritania joined the World Bank in 1963. Since then, World Bank assistance on over 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 Bank’s current portfolio consists of 17 national and regional projects supporting rural development, urban development, education and health, among others, and representing US$413 million in commitments from the International Development Association ( IDA), of which US$175 million is undisbursed.

In FY 2006, the Bank Board approved a Second Health and Nutrition Project (US$10 million), a Global Environment Facility (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 FY 2007, the Bank approved a Capacity Building Project (US$13 million), and an Additional Financing Credit to the Second Mining Sector Capacity Building Project (PRISM2) (US$5 million).