The 2026 US Trade Mission to Mauritania is co-organized by the Washington Insight Group and the National Union of Mauritanian Employers (UNPM), with the support of the Embassy of Mauritania, in Washington, DC.

The Honorable Cissé Cheikh Boide, Ambassador of Mauritania to the United States, remains a key supporter of this 2026 US trade mission to Mauritania. The Washington Insight Group recognize her ongoing support and leadership.

Overview

Mauritania stands at a pivotal moment of economic transformation. With abundant natural resources, a strategic geographic position bridging North and Sub-Saharan Africa, and a government committed to private sector-led growth, our nation offers a compelling destination for American investment across sectors including energy, mining, fisheries, agriculture, infrastructure, and emerging industries.

To support and attract high-quality foreign investment, Mauritania has implemented a modern and investor-friendly Investment Law that provides a wide range of incentives and protections, including:

• Tax Incentives: Qualified investors benefit from corporate tax exemptions for a defined period, reduced customs duties on imported equipment, and exemptions from value-added tax (VAT) on key inputs.
• Customs and Import Benefits: Duty-free importation of capital goods and materials necessary for project implementation.
• Legal Guarantees: Full protection against expropriation, with guarantees of fair and prompt compensation in accordance with international standards.
• Repatriation of Profits: Freedom to transfer profits, dividends, and capital abroad without restriction, in full compliance with applicable financial regulations.
• Equal Treatment: Foreign investors receive the same rights and protections as domestic investors, ensuring a level playing field.
• Streamlined Administrative Procedures: A “one-stop shop” investment promotion framework has been established to facilitate rapid business registration, licensing, and approvals.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Framework: Attractive opportunities exist under a clear PPP legal structure, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and logistics.
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Investors operating within designated zones may benefit from additional fiscal and regulatory advantages.

In addition to these incentives, Mauritania offers strong macroeconomic stability, ongoing reforms to improve the business climate, and a growing commitment to transparency and good governance.

The upcoming Trade Mission will provide a unique opportunity for U.S. companies to engage directly with Mauritanian government officials, explore high-potential projects, and build strategic partnerships with local stakeholders. Site visits, sector-specific briefings, and tailored business-to-business meetings will be organized to ensure meaningful engagement.

We firmly believe that U.S. companies—renowned for their innovation, expertise, and global leadership—can play a transformative role in Mauritania’s development journey while achieving strong returns on investment.

JOIN THE U.S. TRADE MISSION TO MAURITANIA

Mauritania is rapidly positioning itself as a gateway for investment in West Africa, offering significant opportunities across multiple high-growth sectors. This exclusive U.S. Trade Mission provides direct access to key decision-makers, business leaders, and government stakeholders.

KEY SECTORS INCLUDE:
• Energy (Oil, Gas & Renewables)
• Mining & Natural Resources
• Infrastructure & Construction
• Agriculture & Agribusiness
• Fisheries & Blue Economy
• Digital Economy & Telecommunications
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
• Logistics, Transportation & Defense

WHY JOIN?
• Pre-arranged B2B meetings with vetted local partners
• High-level meetings with government officials
• In-depth market intelligence and sector briefings
• Site visits to major projects and industrial zones
• Networking receptions with industry leaders

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
U.S. companies, investors, exporters, and organizations seeking to expand into Mauritania and the broader West African region.

MISSION DETAILS
Location: Nouakchott, Mauritania
Dates: July 18-23, 2026
Registration Deadline: June 12, 2026

Introducing Mauritania

With a political stability and a growing economy, Mauritania has emerged as one of the most attractive markets for US trade and investment.

Mauritania is rapidly positioning itself as a gateway for investment in West Africa, offering significant opportunities across multiple high-growth sectors. This exclusive U.S. Trade Mission provides direct access to key decision-makers, business leaders, and government stakeholders.

Overall economic situation

• GDP (total size): about $12 billion in 2025

• Growth rate: around 4% per year (moderate growth)

• GDP per person: roughly $2,500–$2,700

Main industries (what drives the economy)

Mauritania’s economy is resource-based, meaning it depends heavily on extracting natural resources:

1. Mining (most important)

– Iron ore (major export)

– Gold and copper

Mining accounts for a large share of exports and government revenue

2. Fishing

• One of the richest fishing zones in the Atlantic

A key export sector

3. Energy (fast-growing)

• New offshore natural gas (LNG) production started in 2025

Expected to boost growth and government income significantly

4. Agriculture & livestock

• Many people rely on farming and herding

Still important for jobs

Business Opportunities in Mauritania

The opportunities for US investment and trade in Mauritania are nearly unlimited. The following goods and services are currently being procured by both the Mauritanian Government and select private Mauritanian companies:

Mauritania is positioning itself as a key player in the energy sector thanks to its potential in natural gas and renewable energy (solar and wind). The country is also focusing on developing green hydrogen projects to fully engage in the global energy transition. Mauritania has two main gas basins: Taoudéni (onshore) and the offshore coastal basin, where the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, shared with Senegal, is ready for production.

Mauritania has also undertaken major reforms to liberalize the electricity sector and has adopted the world’s first Green Hydrogen Code, offering an attractive framework for investors.

Rich in mineral resources, Mauritania is a key producer in Africa, with significant reserves of iron, gold, copper, gypsum, and other minerals. The country has more than 900 mining sites, mainly located in the Tiris Zemmour and Inchiri regions. Port infrastructure in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, along with the railway linking Zouérate to Nouadhibou, facilitates mineral exports.

Mauritania has 513,000 hectares of arable land across four agro-ecological zones, enabling the cultivation of crops such as millet, sorghum, maize, vegetables, fruits, and rice. Despite this potential, the country imports more than 70% of its food needs, representing a significant opportunity to develop local production and reduce dependence on imports.

Livestock farming is a historic pillar of the Mauritanian economy. It is rooted in a strong pastoral tradition and employs a significant share of the rural population.

The country has an estimated livestock population of nearly 29 million head, including cattle, camels, sheep, and goats, distributed across the entire territory. This potential places Mauritania among the countries with high pastoral density in Africa.

Certain sectors, such as dairy production, poultry farming, and animal product processing, still offer substantial development potential, with strong opportunities for import substitution and export value creation.

Mauritania has a 750 km coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, with an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) covering 234,000 km², including a 39,000 km² continental shelf rich in fishery resources.

The country also has significant inland water resources, including 850 km of riverbanks along the Senegal River and more than 3,500 km² of floodplains with over 25 permanent water bodies, mainly located in the south and southeast.

With its vast desert landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Mauritania is emerging as an authentic tourist destination in Africa, offering unique experiences from the dunes of the Sahara to the Atlantic coast.

The country is home to several major UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient ksour and the Banc d’Arguin National Park, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity.

Improved accessibility through international airports and the expansion of the road network supports the development of tourism circuits across the country’s main regions.

Schedule: Nouakchott, Mauritania Mission

Saturday July 18, 2026

Leave United States for Europe to make a connection flight to Nouakchott and arrive on Sunday July 19, 2026 (Delegates are responsible for their own travel arrangements and ticket purchase).

Sunday July 19, 2026

10am-4pm-Arrive in at the Nouakchott International Airport. After disembarking from the airplane, clearing customs and collecting your baggage, follow the Washington Insight Group signs to join the Mission delegates in the airport. Once you join the other delegates, you will enjoy a VIP escort to your hotel.

12pm-5pm- Check in at Nouakchott’s premier four-star hotel.

7pm- Welcoming dinner for trade mission delegates at the hotel.

Draft Program Schedule

Detailed Agenda to be released soon

Monday July 20, 2026

Day 1 : U.S.–Mauritania Trade & Investment Forum:

Forum & Panel Discussions

Morning: 9am-12pm

After an official opening by High Officials from the Government of Mauritania (TBC) Panel sessions featuring U.S. delegates presenting their companies and investment profiles. Followed by Questions & Answers

Afternoon: 2pm-5pm

Panel sessions highlighting Mauritanian private sector companies and opportunities. Followed by Questions & Answers

Tuesday July 21, 2026

Day 2 – B2B Meetings: 10am-5pm

• U.S. delegates meet with their Mauritanian counterparts for targeted business-to-business (B2B) meetings and partnership discussions.

Wednesday July 22, 2026

Day 3 – Site Visits: 9am-5pm

• Delegates participate in organized site visits to key business locations and investment projects in and around Nouakchott.

• Official meetings to key ministries

Thursday July 23, 2026

Leave Nouakchott for Europe to make a connection flight to the United States. You will arrive to the US the next day. (Delegates are responsible for their own travel arrangements and ticket purchase).