The International Monetary Fund warned of risks threatening Mauritania’s economic growth prospects in the medium term.
This warning comes in light of the escalation of geopolitical tensions in the region and the delay in exploitation of the “Ahmim Al-Kabir” gas field project, in addition to weather shocks that may affect the country’s economy.
According to the head of the Fund’s mission to Mauritania, Felix Fischer, who spoke at a press conference held alongside the Mauritanian Minister of Economy and Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank in Nouakchott, the expected growth for 2024 reaches 4.6%, which reflects a slowdown in the extractive sector.
Financial sector reforms
The Fund also explained that the Mauritanian economy is expected to grow at a rate of 4.2% in 2025, due to the slowdown in the mining sector.
In contrast, non-extractive economic growth, which provides greater job opportunities, is expected to reach 5.7% in 2024, and 4.7% in 2025, according to the Fund.
The Fund also praised the ongoing reforms in the financial sector, noting that easing monetary policy after tightening it since 2022 could contribute to enhancing the financial sector’s contribution to economic development.
