AGP Executive Report

EU Budget Support: The EU approved €9.5 million in budget support to Mauritania to back education and health reforms under SCAPP, with officials citing progress in service quality and public finance transparency. US-Mauritania Talks: The Economy Minister met USAID’s Africa deputy to review development cooperation and ways to draw US private investment. Critical Minerals Deal: Mauritania and the US signed a framework cooperation agreement on critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to strengthen supply chains and boost investment and processing. Fisheries Diplomacy: The Fisheries Minister met Algeria’s ambassador to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in fisheries and the maritime economy. KfW Grant: Mauritania and KfW signed a €2 million endowment agreement linked to the Banc d’Arguin Trust Fund, supporting biodiversity protection and related infrastructure. Agriculture Push: The Prime Minister chaired preparations for a vegetable farming campaign, stressing food security, tax relief on inputs, and fixes for marketing, storage, and key infrastructure. Religious Conference: President El Ghazouani opened the 39th International Conference on the Prophet’s Biography in Nouakchott, focusing on managing diversity and strengthening common ground. Regional Public Health: Africa CDC and AU states advanced a behavioural intelligence and infodemic management framework, with Mauritania among participating countries. Sahara Diplomacy: The US and UN reiterated support for a lasting Sahara solution under UNSC Resolution 2797, ahead of a planned Security Council meeting. Sports Medicine Seminar: Mauritania joined the 5th Arab Military Seminar on Sports Medicine in Doha, under Qatar’s patronage. Agriculture Sector Link: The Agriculture Minister met the Khalifa International Award’s secretary general to discuss support for Mauritania’s date sector and the International Festival of Mauritanian Dates.

Public Health & Regional Coordination: Africa CDC and AU member states advanced a Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management framework, with Mauritania among the countries involved in validating a continental package for coordinated public-health decisions. Islamic Affairs in Mauritania: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani opened the 39th International Conference on the Prophet’s Biography in Nouakchott, under a theme focused on managing diversity and strengthening common ground, with high-level government and diplomatic participation. Media & Culture: The Arab Radio and Television Festival (Sept 21–24, 2026) will open in Tunisia with performances by Nassif Zeytoun and Rahma Riad, and will honour figures from nine Arab countries including Mauritania. Energy & Industry: Mauritania’s cement production returned to normal after weeks of electricity disruptions, with the Mines and Industry Ministry saying stocks are sufficient and prices stable. Sports: Nouadhibou, a Mauritanian club, is set to face San Pedro after Rivers United’s shock CAF Champions League exit. Sahara Diplomacy: The US and UN reaffirmed efforts toward a lasting Sahara solution aligned with UNSC Resolution 2797, as talks continue ahead of an October 31 UN Security Council meeting. Gold Exploration: Raminvest Holding advanced gold exploration at Mauritania’s Wompou project after assays up to 50.14 g/t, defining six priority drill targets.

Sahara Diplomacy: The U.S. and the UN say they’re coordinating to push a lasting Sahara solution under UNSC Resolution 2797, with talks aimed at the Autonomy plan and a new push ahead of an Oct. 31 UN Security Council meeting. Parliament & Foreign Ties: Mauritania’s National Assembly President met China’s ambassador, while the Prime Minister received Spain’s ambassador—both focusing on strengthening cooperation. Regional Security & Culture: Djamaâ El-Djazaïr’s rector and dean are set to take part in Mauritania’s 39th International Prophet’s Sira conference in Nouakchott, highlighting continued religious and scholarly links. Environment Watch: NASA imagery shows a massive dust plume over Mali drifting toward the Atlantic, with Mauritania in the wider El Djouf dust belt. Sports Medicine: Doha hosted the 5th Arab Military Seminar on Sports Medicine, with Mauritania among 16 participating countries. Business & Resources: Raminvest Holding advances gold exploration at Mauritania’s Wompou project after high-grade assay results. CAF Football: Mauritanian club Nouadhibou is set to face San Pedro after Rivers United’s shock exit from the CAF Champions League qualifiers.

Sahara Diplomacy: The U.S. and the UN say they’re coordinating to push a lasting political solution to the Western Sahara, aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 2797, after recent talks involving U.S. advisor Massad Boulos and UN officials. Sahrawi Nationality Update: Spain’s parliament approved a bill that could allow tens of thousands of Sahrawis—born under Spanish administration before 1977—to apply for Spanish citizenship and vote, with estimates around 80,000–120,000. Mauritania–Islamic Affairs: Djamaâ El-Djazaïr’s rector and dean will take part in Mauritania’s 39th International Prophet’s Sira Conference in Nouakchott, bringing scholars from across the Islamic world. Environment: NASA imagery shows a massive dust plume over Mali drifting toward the Atlantic, linked to seasonal haboob activity. Mauritania Business: Raminvest Holding advances gold exploration at its Wompou project in Mauritania after high-grade assay results, moving toward targeted drilling. Regional Politics: Algeria announced it is cutting ties with the UAE and closing airspace to Emirati aircraft, escalating diplomatic tensions.

Mauritania Energy & Mining: Raminvest Holding says it is advancing gold exploration at its Wompou project in Mauritania after sampling returned up to 50.14 g/t, defining six priority drill targets (T-01 to T-06) and pointing to arsenic as a pathfinder for the next phase. Diplomacy in the region: Mauritania’s National Assembly President met China’s ambassador in Nouakchott to discuss stronger parliamentary cooperation, while the Prime Minister received Spain’s ambassador to boost bilateral ties. Health & rights: A DRC Ebola update reports 3,310 deaths out of 6,843 cases and a vaccination drive using Everbo doses, while Mauritania rights groups are reacting to renewed outrage over a reported rape case involving a 7-year-old girl. International politics: Spain backed a bill granting citizenship to Western Saharans born before 1977, a move that comes amid heightened tensions with Morocco. Environment & mobility: NASA imagery shows a massive dust plume over Mali drifting toward the Atlantic, and EU irregular crossings fell overall in 2026 but rose on the Western Mediterranean route.

Mauritania–Energy & Mining: Raminvest Holding says it’s advancing gold exploration at its Wompou project in Mauritania after sampling returned assays up to 50.14 g/t, with six priority drill targets (T-01 to T-06) set for first-pass testing. Diplomacy in the region: Mauritania’s National Assembly President Mohamed Bemba Meguett met China’s ambassador Tang Zhongdong to discuss stronger parliamentary cooperation, while the Prime Minister also received Spain’s ambassador Pablo Barbará Gómez on boosting bilateral ties. Environment & climate risk: NASA imagery shows a massive dust plume over Mali drifting toward the Atlantic as West Africa’s dust season winds down, with Mauritania’s El Djouf area flagged as a key dust source zone. Western Sahara politics: A fresh push is reported around the UN Security Council’s end-October decision on MINURSO, with debate intensifying over what happens if the mission is not renewed. Global security spillover: A Russian-flagged, sanctions-linked cargo ship was hit by drone strikes off Africa’s coast, raising fears that the Russia–Ukraine conflict could widen into African waters.

Mauritania Energy & Mining: Raminvest Holding says it is advancing gold exploration at its Wompou project in Mauritania after sampling returned assays up to 50.14 g/t, with six priority targets (T-01 to T-06) set for first-pass drilling, supported by an arsenic-gold correlation. Diplomacy in the region: Mauritania’s National Assembly President Mohamed Bemba Meguett met China’s ambassador Tang Zhongdong to discuss stronger parliamentary cooperation, while the Prime Minister also received Spain’s ambassador Pablo Barbará Gómez to deepen bilateral ties. Western Sahara politics: Spain’s parliament backed a bill granting citizenship to Western Saharans born before Sept. 29, 1977, a move that could further strain relations with Morocco. Health & rights: A DRC Ebola update reports 3,310 deaths out of 6,843 cases and a vaccination push using Everbo doses, while Mauritania-related coverage highlights renewed outrage over sexual violence against a child and calls for tougher laws. Global debate: A new, not-yet-peer-reviewed theory claims the Great Pyramid’s measurements encode astronomical knowledge.

Diplomatic Round-Up: Mauritania’s National Assembly President Mohamed Bemba Meguett met China’s ambassador Tang Zhongdong to discuss stronger parliamentary ties, while Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay received Spain’s ambassador Pablo Barbará Gómez to deepen cooperation. Energy & Investment: Raminvest Holding says it is advancing gold exploration at Mauritania’s Wompou project after sampling returned up to 50.14 g/t gold, defining six first-pass drill targets (T-01 to T-06). Regional Politics Watch: Algeria cut diplomatic ties with the UAE and closed its airspace to Emirati-registered aircraft, escalating a wider North Africa diplomatic strain. Western Sahara Developments: Spain’s parliament backed citizenship for Western Saharans born before 1977, a move that could heighten tensions as the UN Security Council weighs the future of MINURSO beyond late October 2026. Migration & Borders: Europe saw asylum requests drop to a five-year low in the first half of 2026, with EU deals including support to Mauritania aimed at curbing irregular migration. Culture & Education: Mauritania’s culture minister joined ISESCO’s fourth extraordinary general conference session via videoconference, reaffirming support for the organization.

Mauritania diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met France’s ambassador and the EU’s head of delegation in Nouakchott, focusing on strengthening cooperation and shared priorities. Mauritania migration & rights: A U.S. DHS/ICE case highlights illegal voting by a non-citizen in Kansas, while in Mauritania civil society is again pushing for tougher laws after a reported rape case involving a 7-year-old. Regional politics: Algeria closed its airspace to Emirati-registered aircraft after severing ties with the UAE, citing “provocative and hostile acts.” Western Sahara: Spain’s parliament backed citizenship for Western Saharans born before 1977, a move that could further inflame tensions with Morocco. Health: The DRC Ebola outbreak has reached 3,310 deaths; authorities say a vaccination campaign is underway and seeking up to 500,000 doses. Economy & energy: RAMINVEST HOLDING says it has advanced Mauritania’s Wompou gold exploration after assays up to 50.14 g/t and defined six drill targets. Environment: NASA imagery shows a major dust storm sweeping West Africa, with Mauritania and Mali flagged as key dust sources.

Mauritania–France Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met France’s Ambassador Emmanuel Besnier in Nouakchott to review cooperation and partnership ties. Mauritania–EU Engagement: The same day, he also received the EU Delegation Head Joaquín Tasso Vilallonga to discuss strengthening Mauritania–EU cooperation. Mauritania–OIC Coordination: Ould Merzoug met OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, reviewing cooperation priorities and reaffirming Mauritania’s support for the OIC’s joint Islamic action. Energy Transition Talks: Oil Minister Abessalam Ould Mohamed Salah met Belgian and EU officials in Belgium, pushing for Mauritanian hydrogen and a “just energy transition,” including support linked to SOMELEC reforms and the Electricity Code. Gold Exploration Update: RAMINVEST Holding advanced Mauritania’s Wompou Gold Project after assays up to 50.14 g/t, defining six first-pass drill targets (T-01 to T-06). Water Infrastructure Financing: The government approved a financing agreement for a water supply project linking localities between Gouraye and Kiffa, with Abu Dhabi for Development contributing $30m. Climate & Environment: A NASA image highlighted a massive dust storm sweeping West Africa from Mauritania and Mali, tied to seasonal winds and haboob activity.

Climate Shock: An AFP analysis of Copernicus data says 1.3 billion people worldwide faced the hottest June-to-August on record, with 52 countries breaking seasonal temperature records as El Niño strengthens. Energy Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Oil Minister met Belgian and EU officials in Belgium, pushing cooperation on hydrogen and a “just energy transition,” including EU support for electricity and green hydrogen reforms. Regional Ties: Mauritania’s Foreign Minister met the OIC Secretary-General in Nouakchott, reviewing cooperation priorities and reaffirming support for joint Islamic action. Gold Push: RAMINVEST HOLDING says it has advanced exploration at its Wompou Gold Project after assays up to 50.14 g/t and defined six priority drill targets. Maritime Security: Morocco joined the multinational “Exercise Phoenix Express-2026” in Tunisia, aimed at detecting and deterring illegal activities in the southern Mediterranean. Migration & Aid: A SIPRI policy brief warns Sahel donors to coordinate humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding funding better, arguing money alone won’t build resilience. Frontier Tensions: Reports allege a Moroccan drone struck vehicles linked to Sahrawi gold prospectors near the buffer zone around Garzerz, prompting calls for prospectors to stay inside Mauritania. Sports Note: Mauritania is listed among teams signing a fishing agreement with Japan, while regional football coverage includes WAFU-A U-17 qualifiers in Senegal featuring Mauritania.

Energy & Diplomacy: Mauritania’s Oil Minister Abessalam Ould Mohamed Salah met EU and Belgian officials in Brussels, pushing cooperation on hydrogen and green minerals and thanking the EU for support tied to electricity reform and the RIMDIR project. Regional Cooperation: The Economy Minister met ESCWA’s executive secretary in New York, discussing training, economic modeling, and digital cooperation, with a Mauritania visit invited. Water & Infrastructure Finance: Mauritania’s cabinet backed a deal partially funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development for water supply works linking Gouraye to Kiffa, with Abu Dhabi’s contribution set at $30m. Migration Watch: MSF reported 1,046 migrants rescued in a week off West Africa, with boats intercepted and survivors taken to Nouadhibou, Rosso, and Dakar. Human Rights Coordination: Mauritania’s National Human Rights Committee met in Doha with the Arab Network for Human Rights to plan future cooperation. Security & Trade: A fishing agreement was signed in Tokyo allowing Japon Toni’s fleet to fish in Mauritania for five years under tuna quotas. Frontier Tensions: Reports say a Moroccan drone struck vehicles linked to Sahrawis near the Tindouf buffer zone, prompting renewed calls for prospectors to stay within Mauritania.

Women’s Health Access: A new Women’s Health Van launched in Toronto aims to bring health products, education, and support directly to underserved women in the Greater Toronto Area, tackling barriers like transport, childcare, language, and stigma. Food Security Warning: The UN World Food Programme warns that an El Niño forming in the Pacific could push tens of millions more into acute hunger across 45 already food-insecure countries, with major risks for southern Africa. Migration Rescue in Mauritania: MSF says 1,046 migrants were rescued off West Africa in a week, with survivors brought to Nouadhibou and also to Rosso and Dakar after boats set out from The Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands. Sahel Aid Coordination: A SIPRI policy brief argues donors must move beyond siloed humanitarian, development, and peace funding in the Sahel, including Mauritania, to build lasting resilience. Mauritania–Energy & Investment: Mauritania’s energy transition push featured in a Houston roundtable, while the country also signed/advanced deals tied to fishing and power infrastructure and continued Arab–China business engagement in Riyadh. Human Rights in Tindouf: NGOs urged independent monitoring in Algeria’s Tindouf camps amid allegations of abuse, torture, and child recruitment.

Border Security & Mining: A Moroccan drone reportedly struck two vehicles belonging to Sahrawis from the Tindouf camps in the Sahara buffer zone, wounding two and burning one vehicle, as Mauritania tightens northern frontier surveillance and adds checkpoints. Human Rights in Tindouf: NGOs urged independent monitoring in Tindouf camps, alleging torture, racial discrimination and child recruitment, while stressing aid must not replace oversight. Migration Rescue: MSF said 1,046 migrants were rescued in a week off West Africa en route to Spain’s Canary Islands, with survivors suffering severe dehydration and injuries; many were brought to Nouadhibou, Rosso and Dakar. Energy & Investment: Mauritania pushed energy transition financing and green hydrogen funding in a Houston roundtable, while also signing a fishing agreement with Japan’s “Japon Toni” for tuna access and highlighting new gas exploration-production plans. Diplomacy & Cooperation: Mauritania condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed solidarity; it also engaged partners in Arab-China business talks in Riyadh and hosted/received multiple foreign delegations. Trade & Infrastructure: Mauritania’s participation in the Arab-China forum and regional port/power projects underlined efforts to boost trade links and electricity access.

Energy Infrastructure: President lays the first stone of a 90kV high-voltage power line linking Keurmacen to the port of Ndiago, aimed at powering the port and strengthening the national transmission network, funded by FADES at 3.2 billion ouguiyas. Agriculture & Development Finance: The Agriculture Minister meets an AFD delegation to speed up joint agricultural projects, agreeing on an action plan to meet deadlines. Economic & Budget Support: The Economy Minister receives an IFAD regional director to push forward agricultural projects and improve their environmental and economic sustainability; the Budget delegate also hosts a World Bank mission on budget support. Energy Sector Deal: Mauritania signs an exploration-production contract with the Taqa Arabia-GoGas consortium for gas in Banda & Tevet, targeting major electricity supply benefits and stronger local content. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister meets Qatar’s ambassador and Italy’s ambassador; Mauritania also participates in the Arab League foreign ministers’ session in Cairo. Food Security & Fisheries: President inaugurates expanded fish storage and a processing plant to boost supply to distribution points and add value through canned fish. Business Links: Mauritanian employers head to Casablanca for the Mauritanian-Moroccan Economic Forum, with 140 business leaders on the agenda.

Mauritania–AfDB Agriculture Finance: The AfDB signed a 569,000 units-of-account grant (about MRU 28.2m) to fund feasibility studies for the Awkar agro-pastoral stocks development in Hodh Chargui, aiming to boost livestock resources and productivity while covering environmental and social needs. Energy & Gas Deal: Mauritania signed an exploration-production contract with the Taqa Arabia-GoGas consortium for gas reserves in the Banda & Tevet fields, targeting major electricity supply gains and stronger local content. Fisheries Infrastructure: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani inaugurated expanded fish storage (1,000 tons) and a fish processing plant to strengthen supply to distribution points across the wilayas. Budget & Development Partners: The budget minister met a World Bank mission on budget support cooperation, while the economy minister received IFAD’s regional director to speed up agricultural projects. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug met Qatar’s ambassador and Italy’s ambassador, and took part in the Arab League foreign ministers’ session in Cairo. Regional Economy: A Mauritanian employers’ delegation (140 business leaders) heads to Casablanca for the Mauritanian-Moroccan Economic Forum. Health & Misinformation: Africa CDC highlighted how managing rumours is key to stopping disease outbreaks, as false “genital theft” claims have driven deadly violence in parts of Africa. Sports: CAF Champions League first-leg results put Vipers and Nouadhibou level 1-1, setting up a tense return in Mauritania.