Minister of Economic Affairs Oversees Signing of Financing Agreement To Increase SNIM’s Rail Capacity
On 27 November, in Rabat, Mr. Abdallahi Souleymane Cheikh Sidiya, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, oversaw the signing of a financing agreement for the project to expand the railway line of the National Industrial and Mining Company (SNIM).
The agreement was signed by Mr. Mohamed Vall Ould Tleimidi, SNIM’s Director General, Mr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group, and Mr. Andre McDowell, Director General of the European Investment Bank.
This agreement, which represents a strategic partnership between the African Development Bank Group and the European Investment Bank, amounts to $275 million, of which $150 million is provided by the African Development Bank and $125 million by the European Investment Bank, and comes on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum 2025.
This financing is a crucial step in supporting mining value chains and strengthening the competitiveness of the Mauritanian economy in global iron markets. It also represents one of the most significant investments aimed at strengthening the country’s vital infrastructure.
In his speech on this occasion, the minister emphasized that this investment will enable the country to transport up to 22 million additional tons per year of minerals related to new mining projects, which will strengthen SNIM’s competitiveness and support growth based on the efficient and sustainable exploitation of national resources.
The minister praised the quality of the partnership with the African Development Bank, which he described as “exemplary and expanding to serve the country’s strategic priorities,” and also appreciated the in-depth cooperation with the European Investment Bank, stressing that the support of both institutions reflects renewed confidence in the Mauritanian economy and its attractive investment environment.
He noted that the recent high-level visits by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirm the strength of the partnership between Mauritania and Europe and underscore the country’s position as a credible partner in regional infrastructure projects.
The Minister concluded by expressing the Mauritanian government’s deep gratitude to the two international financial institutions for their continued support and unwavering confidence.
The project includes a wide range of works, including the extension of the operational capacity of the Nouadhibou-Zouerate line, the construction of 42 km of new railway track to the sites of Guelb 2, El Aouj, and Atoumay, as well as the creation of new sidings, the acquisition of advanced traction equipment and materials, and the improvement of maintenance facilities to ensure greater availability of the railway system.