Report of the committee of inquiry into publications by a foreign investor on the business climate
The Ministry of Economy and Finance issued a statement on Friday, clarifying that, “following the dissemination, starting April 5, 2025, of posts on a social network by a foreign investor regarding the business climate in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, mentioning inadequate administrative practices such as negligence, obstacles, unjustified pressures, and attempted corruption, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has established an investigation committee to ascertain the facts, examine all aspects of the matter, ensure appropriate decisions are made, and guarantee citizens’ right to information.”
The statement reads as follows:
“Following the dissemination, starting April 5, 2025, of posts on a social network by a foreign investor regarding the business climate in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, mentioning inadequate administrative practices such as negligence, obstacles, unjustified pressures, and attempted corruption, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has established an investigation committee to ascertain the facts, examine all aspects of the matter, ensure appropriate decisions are made, and guarantee citizens’ right to information.
After completing its investigations within the stipulated timeframe, the committee submitted its final report containing a detailed assessment of the administrative process of the company concerned and an objective analysis of the raised issues. The committee relied on interviews with all stakeholders, including the investor’s collaborators after the investor refused to cooperate, as well as an evaluation of the administrative procedures adopted within the relevant departments. The committee collected testimonies from 20 individuals, including public officials, accountants, and private sector employees.
The committee’s findings after conducting its investigation are as follows:
▪ Shortcomings and dysfunctions were observed, notably a lack or absence of coordination between certain public departments related to investors’ activities, including access to information and communication with users.
▪ The investigation found that the company in question was not compliant with the Mauritanian legal framework, particularly regarding its tax obligations.
▪ No material evidence supports claims of systematic corruption or institutional pressures. The committee expresses surprise at the investor’s lack of cooperation with the investigation, having initially refused to collaborate before retracting and re-establishing contact yesterday to request guarantees and confidentiality, stating she refuses to disclose the identity or identities of the individuals she accuses of soliciting bribes in exchange for illegal tax benefits or work permits. Someone who calls for transparency and claims to be a victim of aberrant behavior should not protect corrupt officials by refusing to reveal their identities in the context of an official investigation, a behavior punishable under current laws.
The committee formulated a set of important recommendations, including:
▪ Accelerating the digitization of administrative procedures to ensure transparency, traceability, and facilitation of services for users;
▪ Strengthening human resources skills through continuous training based on modern public service standards and professional ethics;
▪ Improving internal and external institutional communication to ensure the smooth flow of information and promote a culture of openness and transparency;
▪ Transmitting the results of this investigation to the State Judicial Agency to initiate the appropriate procedure.
In light of these conclusions, the Ministry of Economy and Finance reaffirms:
▪ Its commitment to continuing efforts to establish an attractive, credible, and competitive investment climate;
▪ Its commitment to implementing the recommendations of this report and integrating them into the ongoing reform process;
▪ Its call to journalists, bloggers, and intellectuals not to be swayed by allegations that do not withstand investigation and verification, and which could harm the country’s reputation.
Nouakchott, April 11, 2025”