Mauritania, France Sign Financing Agreement to Improve Water Services in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou

The Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Mr. Mohamedou Ahmedou Mhaimid, signed on Wednesday, in Nouakchott, with the French Ambassador to Mauritania, His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Besnier, and the Director of the French Development Agency in Mauritania, Mr. Ignace Monkam-Daverat, a financing agreement worth 41 million euros—equivalent to 1.854 billion new ouguiyas—earmarked to fund a project to improve drinking water services in the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.

The project aims to reduce water losses, rehabilitate infrastructure, and improve the management and performance of the National Water Company. It includes the installation and rehabilitation of 150,000 water connections, benefiting approximately 1.6 million people, particularly in vulnerable urban areas.

The Minister of Economic Affairs and Development said the project reflects the commitment of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, to improving access to basic services and strengthening strategic public institutions.

He also highlighted progress in water access, which now exceeds 77 percent. Meanwhile, the French Ambassador reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Mauritania’s development priorities, particularly in the water and sanitation sector.