On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Mauritania signed a 64 million euros credit agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD) to finance the electric and interconnected transport network between the capital Nouakchott and Néma, the most important city in the south-east of the country on the border with Mali.

A major step in the development of Mauritania's energy infrastructure was reached on Wednesday with the signing of a financing agreement between the Mauritanian government and France. This agreement, sealed by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Sid'Ahmed Bouh, and the French Ambassador to Mauritania, Mr. Alexandre Garcia, provides for a subsidized loan of 64 million euros (around 2.8 billion MRU) granted by the French Development Agency (AFD). This financing will support the implementation of two structural projects: the Nouakchott-Néma high-voltage line

During his speech, Mr. Bouh detailed the key components of the project. The financing will allow the construction of a high-voltage line between El Ghaira and Kiffa, a 50-megawatt production station in Kiffa, and a substation in Nouakchott. These structures will link the Mauritanian national network to the Malian network, thus promoting regional energy integration. In addition, 100,000 new electrical connections will be made along the line, accompanied by local distribution networks to serve the populations

The minister highlighted Mauritania's “considerable” energy potential, especially in the solar, wind and hydroelectric fields, not to mention the promising prospects associated with gas extraction. However, he recognized that transportation and distribution deficiencies hamper the optimal use of these resources. Currently, the national electricity coverage rate tops out at 57%, with an alarming rate of 10% in

To address these challenges, Mauritania has developed a major program to extend high-voltage lines, interconnect networks with those of neighboring countries, double distribution capacities in dense urban areas, and encourage the involvement of the private sector in energy production and distribution. “This project is part of a global vision, supported by several donors, to sustainably transform our energy sector,” said Mr. Bouh.

Mr. Alexandre Garcia, French Ambassador, welcomed this agreement as a proof of the “renewed dynamism” of Franco-Mauritanian cooperation. “This funding illustrates our shared commitment to the strategic priorities of energy and infrastructure. It will directly contribute to improving people's access to clean and sustainable electricity,” he said. He also recalled the central place of the energy sector in the partnership between the two countries.

The ceremony, held in the presence of the Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Mr. Mohamed Khaled, and officials from the departments concerned, marks a further step towards the Mauritanian goal of guaranteeing universal access to electricity by 2030. An ambition that, thanks to this partnership, now seems to be within reach of a network.