AGP Executive Report

Energy and Regional Links: Morocco’s JESA will help Senegal develop and prepare to operate a 400-kilometre gas network, which is expected to carry gas from the offshore field shared by Senegal and Mauritania. Food Security: UAE-based Elite Agro plans to invest $120 million in Mauritania’s 8,900-hectare Aftout/Rosso agricultural project, targeting about 244,000 tonnes of produce for local markets and exports. Climate and Land: Mauritania is among nine countries covered by a new $78 million Great Green Wall programme to restore more than 270,000 hectares and improve livelihoods for five million people. U-23 Football: Mauritania’s team was eliminated from the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after DR Congo overturned a first-leg loss to advance 2-1 on aggregate.

Digital Connectivity: Mauritania is among six countries linked by a newly activated Trans-Saharan fiber-optic project, designed to strengthen connectivity and digital sovereignty across the Sahel. The Algeria–Niger segment can carry up to 100 Gbps. U-23 Football: Mauritania’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations ended after DR Congo won the return leg 2-0, advancing 2-1 on aggregate. Land Restoration: A new $78 million UN-backed programme will support Great Green Wall projects in Mauritania and eight other countries, targeting restoration of more than 270,000 hectares and improved livelihoods for five million people. Investment and Finance: Elite Agro Holding announced 440 million dirhams for an 8,900-hectare agricultural project in Mauritania. The IMF also approved $86.9 million in financing, with $21.7 million available immediately.

Agriculture: UAE-based Elite Agro Holding announced a 440 million dirham investment in Mauritania’s Aftout/Rosso project, covering about 8,900 hectares, as part of a wider regional farming expansion. Economy: The IMF approved $86.9 million in financing for Mauritania, with $21.7 million available immediately; the program targets economic stability, stronger public finances and poverty reduction. Business: Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay met employers’ representatives to strengthen public-private cooperation and address obstacles facing local investors. Regional Cooperation: Mauritania joined an ECOWAS training program to improve national statistics and data for policymaking. Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug also discussed cooperation with the IOM’s mission chief in Nouakchott. Climate and Security: Mauritania hosted a high-level forum on climate, peace and security in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea.

Political Dialogue: Majority parties have submitted a joint proposal to national dialogue coordinator Moussa Fall, outlining issues for talks intended to build political consensus. Climate and Security: Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay opened a Nouakchott forum bringing Sahel and Gulf of Guinea countries together to address links between climate change, peace and security. Justice Reform: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani received a national document summarizing recommendations to reform and develop the justice system. Water Cooperation: Mauritania has begun consultations on joining a UN convention on transboundary waters, with officials and partners discussing its potential benefits and obligations. Regional Connectivity: Algeria and Niger launched a 100-Gbps fiber link, part of a wider trans-Saharan network planned to connect Mauritania and other countries. Football: Mauritania’s U-23 team has been eliminated from the 2028 Olympic qualifying race after DR Congo won their second-leg match 2-0. Western Sahara Talks: A UN report describes negotiations involving Mauritania and other parties as moving toward practical arrangements for a possible political settlement.

Migration & Courts: Pakistan’s Islamabad High Court asked the federal government to respond to a petition over 50+ youths who left via irregular “dunki” routes, reportedly traveling from Mauritania toward Spain between 2024 and 2025, then vanished with families unable to confirm whether they were detained, deported or stranded. Telecom Connectivity: Mauritania’s Post and Telecommunications minister helped launch the commercial exploitation of the Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic Backbone link between Algeria and Niger, boosting cross-border digital capacity. Western Sahara Diplomacy: UN reports say talks under Resolution 2797 are moving toward transitional arrangements, including discussion of a possible transitional council, with Mauritania among the key parties. Human Rights & Trafficking: Mauritania approved a national action plan (2024–2026) to combat trafficking in persons, aiming to punish perpetrators and protect victims and witnesses. Trade & Business: Mauritania’s chamber signed a trade-exchange agreement with Senegal, while logistics firm OBT opened a local presence to support shipping and project delivery. Economy & Finance: Finance officials met international credit agencies to discuss Mauritania’s outlook and debt sustainability.

Western Sahara Talks: UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ latest report says negotiations under UN and US facilitation have moved into more practical “transitional modalities,” with Morocco’s autonomy plan (anchored by UN Security Council Resolution 2797) used as the basis for talks and a possible “Transition Council” discussed. Diplomacy Watch: The report also notes Morocco shared an expanded draft autonomy statute in January 2026, while the Polisario and Algeria put forward their own ideas, as direct contacts resumed after nearly seven years. Human Rights & Migration: Mauritania’s OHCHR-backed national action plan to combat trafficking in persons (2024–2026) was approved, aiming to help punish perpetrators and protect victims and witnesses. Economy & Trade: Mauritania’s finance leadership met Rothschild & Co on cooperation and the country’s economic outlook, while the Council of Ministers approved an Amending Finance Bill for 2024. Logistics & Industry: OBT is expanding into Mauritania to support shipping, customs clearance, project logistics and heavy-lift operations for Nouakchott and Nouadhibou ports. Regional Health: The Ouagadougou Partnership marks 15 years of SRHR and family planning gains across nine West African countries, including Mauritania.

Western Sahara Talks: UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ latest report says Morocco’s autonomy plan is now the basis for a more operational negotiation phase, including a possible transitional council to manage the shift toward a final settlement, with rounds held in Washington and Madrid involving Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario. Mauritania Diplomacy: Finance Minister Codioro Moussa N’Guénore met Rothschild & Co in Nouakchott to discuss cooperation and Mauritania’s economic outlook, while Mauritania’s foreign affairs officials also met counterparts from South Africa and Tunisia to push bilateral coordination. Public Finance & Governance: The Council of Ministers approved an Amending Finance Bill for 2024, aimed at aligning spending with the “My Ambition for the Homeland” programme and removing obstacles to priority projects. Human Rights: Mauritania’s OHCHR-backed national action plan to combat trafficking in persons (2024–2026) was approved, with support from IOM and broad consultations, focusing on prevention, prosecution and victim protection. Trade & Business: OBT expanded into Mauritania to support shipping, customs clearance and project logistics for mining and infrastructure, and the Mauritanian Chamber of Commerce signed a trade-boosting agreement with Senegal. Regional Health: The Ouagadougou Partnership marked 15 years of gains in family planning and SRHR across nine West African countries, including Mauritania.

LGBT Deportations: Reuters reports dozens of LGBT migrants protected in the US are being deported to third countries in Africa where same-sex relations can be criminalized, including cases tied to colonial-era laws. NEPAD Financing Push: NEPAD founding states agreed to create the El Alamein Investment Platform by Feb 2027 to mobilize private capital for Africa’s development, plus new tools to support SMEs. Energy & Infrastructure: Nigeria’s NNPC says it committed ₦473.8bn in 2025 to gas projects, including the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline and the AKK pipeline, with ₦25.7bn interest still outstanding. Western Sahara Diplomacy: The UN Security Council will hold closed meetings on Oct 7-8 ahead of MINURSO’s Oct 31 mandate renewal, with briefings from MINURSO and Staffan de Mistura. Mauritania in Focus: A Bible access report ranks Mauritania among countries with “maximum restrictions,” while Mauritania also appears in the list of states that voted against a South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid. Sports (Beach Soccer): Referees are named for Mauritania’s CAF Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier ties, including Ghana’s Portia Oppong as reserve assistant referee for the Cote d’Ivoire clash.

Moroccan Sahara Talks: The UN says negotiations on the Moroccan Sahara have entered a new phase, with Staffan de Mistura resuming direct contacts involving Morocco, Polisario, Algeria and Mauritania after a near seven-year gap, including high-level meetings in Washington and Madrid. Western Sahara Diplomacy: The UN Security Council will hold closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct 7-8 ahead of a MINURSO mandate vote later in the month. Mauritania in Focus: A new Bible access report lists Mauritania among countries facing “maximum restrictions,” with over 500 million Christians worldwide affected. Sports (Beach Soccer): Ghana’s Portia Oppong is named reserve assistant referee for the Cote d’Ivoire vs Mauritania qualifier in Abidjan, while Ghana’s Robinson Jasper is set as reserve referee for the Nouakchott return leg. Climate & Livelihoods: A video highlights Mauritania’s working donkeys, including a 13-year-old hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours daily amid extreme heat.

Mauritania–France Development Talks: Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development met France’s ambassador and AFD officials to review cooperation and look for new funding avenues. Health Cooperation: Mauritania and Algeria signed an agreement on health cooperation, covering public health, prevention, hospital management, and border health surveillance. Diplomacy & China: Mauritania reaffirmed support for the one-China principle after Taiwan elections, stressing continued ties with Beijing. Western Sahara at the UN: The UN Security Council will hold closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct 7–8 ahead of MINURSO’s Oct 31 mandate expiry, with briefings expected from MINURSO head Alexander Ivanko and envoy Staffan de Mistura. Energy Regional Push: Algeria’s Sonelgaz is expanding into Senegal via deals with Senelec, extending a footprint already covering Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Benin and Mauritania. Humanitarian Gaza Role: Mauritania’s foreign minister attended a Gaza humanitarian response conference in Cairo and announced a $300,000 contribution to UNRWA-backed efforts. World Animal Day Spotlight: A new video and poll highlight the hard work of “working animals,” including in Mauritania, where extreme heat can push donkeys to haul water for over 10 hours a day.

Energy Diplomacy: Algeria’s state energy giant Sonelgaz has signed two deals with Senegal’s Senelec, aiming to transfer know-how and support electricity and gas infrastructure—sparking debate over West Africa’s energy competition and sovereignty. US Visa Policy: The US has expanded a visa bond programme for B1/B2 tourist and business visas, requiring eligible applicants from 50 countries to post refundable guarantees of $10,000–$20,000; Mauritania is among countries flagged in the wider coverage. Mauritania in Focus (Environment & Society): A new video highlights the daily struggle of 13-year-old donkey Lagdaf in Mauritania, hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours in extreme heat, with hazards like plastic waste and road risks. Western Sahara Watch: The UN Security Council will hold closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct 7–8 ahead of MINURSO’s Oct 31 mandate renewal, with renewed emphasis on Morocco’s autonomy plan. Finance & Regional Business: Société Générale agreed to sell its 60.22% stake in Ghana’s unit to Attijariwafa Bank and SSNIT, reshaping ownership and operations. Sports (Beach Soccer): Ghanaian officials were named for CAF Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers involving Mauritania, underscoring growing regional officiating ties.

US Visa Bonds: The US has added 50 countries to a B1/B2 visa bond scheme requiring deposits of $10,000–$20,000; India is not on the list, and applicants must follow DHS Form I-352 and Pay.gov instructions. Western Sahara Diplomacy: The UN Security Council will hold closed meetings on Western Sahara on Oct 7–8 ahead of MINURSO’s Oct 31 mandate expiry, with briefings from MINURSO chief Alexander Ivanko and Staffan de Mistura. Mauritania–France Development: Mauritania’s Economy Minister met France’s ambassador and AFD officials to review cooperation and ways to expand funding ties. Water for Kiffa: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed an agreement to help finance drinking-water supply for Kiffa and nearby towns from the Senegal River. Health Cooperation: Mauritania and Algeria signed a public health and prevention cooperation deal, including border health surveillance and a joint technical committee. Sports (Beach Soccer): Ghanaian officials were appointed for Mauritania–Côte d’Ivoire Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier legs in Nouakchott and Abidjan. Climate & Livelihoods: A new video highlights Mauritania’s working donkeys hauling water in extreme heat, as research finds many people still don’t understand their role. Bible Access: A report says over 500 million Christians face restrictions accessing Scripture, with Mauritania listed among the hardest-hit countries.

Sports & Travel: Burkina Faso’s Argentina friendly is in doubt after the team was stranded in Casablanca, with reports pointing to players’ demands for a private charter and extra bonuses beyond basic travel and accommodation. Banking Deal: Société Générale agreed to sell its 60.22% stake in Société Générale Ghana to Attijariwafa Bank (55.22%) and SSNIT (5%), making Attijariwafa the new majority owner pending approvals. Humanitarian & Rights: A new “Bible Access List 2026” says over 500 million Christians face restrictions, with Mauritania listed among the countries where access is hardest. Environment & Livelihoods: A video and poll ahead of World Animal Day highlight how working animals—like a 13-year-old donkey in Mauritania—endure long, hazardous days hauling water amid extreme heat. Diplomacy & Health: Mauritania and Algeria signed a health cooperation agreement, covering prevention, hospital management, and border health coordination. Energy & Industry: Aura Energy named its leadership team to push its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania toward construction, with the BFS due mid-October and financing targeted by year-end.

Bible Access in Focus: A new Bible Access Initiative report says over 500 million Christians worldwide face restrictions on obtaining or using Scripture, with Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, North Korea and Eritrea at the top—and Mauritania listed among the worst-affected. Mauritania-France Cooperation: Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs met France’s ambassador and AFD officials to review and expand economic and development cooperation. Clean Energy Push: A concessional loan agreement with France will fund 10 solar power stations with storage, aimed at cutting rural-urban service gaps. Water for Kiffa: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed support for a major drinking-water project linking Gouraye, Selibabi, Kankossa and Kiffa. Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania renewed its support for the one-China principle, while foreign affairs officials took part in Gaza humanitarian talks and the OIC Union of Councils session in Nouakchott. Sahara Talks: The U.S. told Polisario refugees in Tindouf they’ve waited 50 years, saying the basis for a solution is “on the table.”

Sports & Youth: Sierra Leone’s U-20 “Shooting Stars” drawn in Group B with Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau for the WAFU Zone A tournament in Mali. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Mauritania renewed support for the one-China principle; it also signed a health cooperation deal with Algeria and backed UN-led humanitarian efforts in Gaza, while the OIC’s Nouakchott declaration put the Palestinian cause at the top. Energy & Infrastructure: Mauritania and France signed a concessional loan to build 10 solar power stations with storage; Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed financing for Kiffa city and nearby towns’ drinking-water network from the Senegal River. Economy & Finance: The Finance Ministry signed an interest-free IsDB loan to expand higher education, including a Higher School of Agriculture in Kaedi and a Higher School of Veterinary Medicine in Nema. Regional Politics: US envoy Mike Waltz told Polisario “50 years is enough,” pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan. Security & Humanitarian Context: Amnesty again accused Mali’s army and Wagner of war crimes, including killings documented in areas bordering Mauritania.

Uranium & Jobs: Aura Energy named its leadership team to move Mauritania’s Tiris uranium project toward construction, with a bankable feasibility study now due mid-October and project financing targeted for end-2026. Clean Energy Push: Mauritania and France signed a concessional loan to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aimed at cutting rural-urban gaps in electricity access. IMF Talks: The Prime Minister met an IMF delegation on strengthening cooperation, while the budget minister also received an IMF mission to discuss fiscal support. Regional Diplomacy: President El Ghazouani reaffirmed Mauritania’s commitment to West African integration at an ECOWAS summit, and held meetings in New York with the AU chair role and Kuwait’s crown prince. Energy Strategy: Mauritania reiterated its integrated energy strategy and its move toward the Gas Exporting Countries Forum ahead of planned LNG exports. Mali Conflict Fallout: Amnesty renewed pressure with a report alleging war crimes by Mali’s forces and Wagner-linked personnel along the Mauritania border. Sports: Benin beat Mauritania 2-1 in AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with Mauritania scoring via a second-half penalty.