Doing business in Mauritania

Mauritania is a country located in North Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. The country's economy is primarily based on agriculture, fisheries, and mining, particularly in iron ore.

Doing business in Mauritania can be challenging due to its underdeveloped infrastructure, bureaucratic procedures, and a lack of skilled labor. However, the country has taken steps to improve its business environment, such as implementing economic reforms, simplifying regulations, and promoting private investment.

To succeed in Mauritania's business environment, it is essential to have a good understanding of the local culture, language, and business practices. Networking is crucial, and building relationships with local partners and stakeholders can help navigate the challenges and opportunities of doing business in the country.

Overall, Mauritania offers opportunities for investors interested in the country's natural resources and potential for growth, particularly in the agriculture, fisheries, and mining sectors. However, it is important to carefully assess the risks and challenges before entering the market.


Advantages of Doing Business in Mauritania

✔ Strategic location: Mauritania is situated on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, providing easy access to major trade routes in Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

✔ Rich natural resources: Mauritania is rich in natural resources, including iron ore, gold, and copper, which presents significant investment opportunities in the mining sector.

✔ Favorable business climate: The government of Mauritania has implemented policies aimed at promoting business development, including tax incentives for foreign investors, streamlined business registration procedures, and investment-friendly policies.

✔ Strong economic growth: Mauritania has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, driven by the mining and agricultural sectors, presenting opportunities for businesses to tap into this growing market.

✔ Emerging tourism industry: Mauritania's tourism industry is an emerging market, with its vast natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and unique wildlife providing opportunities for investors to develop new tourism products and services.


Disadvantages of Doing Business in Mauritania

✖ Infrastructure challenges: Mauritania has inadequate infrastructure, including limited road networks and a lack of reliable electricity and water supply, which can impede business operations.

✖ Limited workforce: Mauritania has a small and relatively unskilled workforce, which can make it difficult for businesses to find suitable employees.

✖ Political instability: Mauritania has a history of political instability and coups, which can create uncertainty for businesses operating in the country.

✖ Bureaucracy and corruption: Mauritania's bureaucratic procedures can be complex and time-consuming, and corruption is a widespread issue that can pose a challenge for businesses.

✖ Security risks: The presence of extremist groups in the Sahel region can pose a security risk to businesses operating in Mauritania, especially those in the mining and oil sectors.


There are several types of business organizations in Mauritania, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of business organizations in Mauritania include:

► Individual Enterprise: This is the simplest form of business organization where an individual owns and operates a business. It is easy to set up, and the owner has full control over the business.

► Partnership: A partnership is a business owned by two or more individuals who share profits and losses. It is easy to set up, and partners can benefit from each other's skills and resources.

► Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC is a separate legal entity from its owners, offering liability protection to its members. It is a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses.

► Joint Stock Company (SA): An SA is a company whose capital is divided into shares that can be bought and sold on the stock market. It is suitable for large companies with many shareholders.

► Cooperative: A cooperative is a business owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit. It is suitable for small-scale businesses that require collective effort to succeed.

► Branch Office: A branch office is a foreign company that sets up a subsidiary in Mauritania. It is subject to the laws and regulations of Mauritania and is often used as a way to expand a business into new markets.