Located on the northwest coast between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara, Mauritania combines strategic maritime access, important mineral and marine resources, and a small but growing urban economy. Like, The country's economy depends on mining (iron ore, gold, copper and phosphate), fishing, increasingly animal husbandry, sea fishing and natural gas exploration. Recent policy efforts emphasize the diversification of local value-added infrastructure development and the creation of attractive opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs working in resource-based logistics and export-oriented value chains.

Reasons to Start Industry in Mauritania

1. The coast and the strategic Atlantic ports

Ports Mauritania's Atlantic interface (Nouakchott and Nouadhibou) provides direct shipping access to Europe, America and West Africa – useful for export-oriented manufacturing, fishery processing and logistics.

2. Rich mineral endowment

The country has large deposits of iron ore and there is growing interest in gold, copper, phosphates and rare earths. These deposits form a solid foundation for mining services, beneficiation and subsequent industrial projects.

3. Abundant marine resources

Mauritania's productive coastal waters support strong fisheries and marine potential (fish, cephalopods and shrimp), making the country a natural , natural location for seafood processing, cold chain and aquaculture development.

4. Emerging energy opportunities

The discovery and exploration of offshore gas and the development of onshore renewable resources (solar, wind) create industrial prospects for energy and raw materials, including industrial energy supply and fertilizer/chemical production in the future.

5. The political focus on diversification and value addition

The government and development partners have shown interest in moving beyond raw material export to local processing, port-led logistics, agribusiness and tourism, supported by strategic project incentives.

Availability of Raw Materials and Supporting Factors

1. Mining inputs

Large iron ore deposits around Zouerate and growing gold/copper exploration provide inputs for mineral processing, steel production and mining services (equipment, maintenance and beneficiation).

 2. Fisheries and marine inputs

Fisheries on the extensive continental shelf provide raw materials for the fishmeal, canning, freezing, value-added seafood and aquaculture feed industries.

3. Pastoral and agricultural resources

While the southern and coastal areas are LARGELY dry, livestock (sheep, goats and camels) and irrigated agricultural areas suitable for milk and meat processing and value-added horticulture are supported by proper water management.

4. Renewable energy base

High solar radiation and offshore wind potential allow for the creation of large-scale solar and wind energy projects, distribution of production in the energy industry, and reduced dependence on imported fuels.

5. Logistics and port infrastructure

The railway lines of the main , main ports (Nouakchott and Nouadhibou) and the mining corridors already serve the national export flow; The development of port capacity and cold chain infrastructure would unlock much greater added value.

Why Select Industry for Startup in Mauritania

Entrepreneurs and investors should target sectors that (a) take advantage of local natural advantages, (b) increase local added value, and (c) serve export or regional markets:

1. Fisheries processing and cold chain logistics

• Facilities: Canned fish, freezing/quick freezing plants, processing of shrimp, fishmeal and value-added packaged seafood.
• The reason: Marine supplies are abundant and global , global demand for sustainably processed seafood is strong.
   

2. Enrichment of minerals and light minerals

• Facilities: iron ore beneficiation, pelletizing, steel re-rolling, gold refining, non-ferrous finished products.
• The reason: It maintains more value at home and creates industrial jobs related to mining.

3. Renewable energy projects and energy services

• Facilities: Solar farms, wind farms, hybrid mini-grids, solar water pumping , pumping for irrigation, and operation and maintenance services.
• The reason: reduce industrial energy costs, enable off-grid manufacturing and support green export rights.

4. Value chains of agricultural processing and livestock breeding

• Facilities: Milk processing, meat packing, rawhide processing, crushing of oilseeds where irrigation permits.
• Reason: It adds value to pastoral production, enhances food security and opens up regional markets.

5. Ports, logistics services and re-export centers

• Facilities: Cold chain terminals, container assembly, third party logistics (3PL), maintenance/vessel service.
• Reason: Nouadhibou/Nouakchott can become regional focal points for West Africa through targeted investment.

6. Building materials and prefabrication

• Facilities: Cement sanding, concrete blocks, tiles, prefabricated house panels adapted , adapted to the local climate.
• Reason: Local reconstruction and urban growth create constant local demand.

Market Demand

• The main driver of demand remains the export market for seafood, metals and mineral products.
• Local and regional demand for building materials, processed foods, cold chain support products and energy services is increasing with urbanization and infrastructure projects.
• The growing interest in renewable energy sources provides long-term demand for project development, equipment and services.
• With the modernization of port and customs services, the demand for re-export and transshipment may increase.

Government Support and Incentives

Mauritanian authorities and investment promotion bodies typically support strategic projects with measures such as:

• Exemption from taxes and duties on tangible assets imported for approved projects.
• Discounted rental conditions for industrial areas in designated areas.
• Tax incentives or corporate tax incentives for investments that create jobs or increase local added value.
•  Supporting public-private partnerships in the development of ports, energy , energy projects and cold chain facilities.
• Facilitating services related to obtaining permits and land allocation through investment agencies.

Mauritania presents impressive investment examples for projects that take advantage of its marine wealth, mineral , mineral resources, coastal logistics and renewable energy , energy resources. The most effective opportunities are fishing and cold chain processing mineral beneficiation, renewable energy sources and port logistics – all of which increase export earnings and create local jobs.

Projects that combine onshore value addition, reliable (preferably green) energy supply and modern logistics are more likely to succeed. Through targeted public-private partnerships enhanced certification and improved port/cold chain , chain capacity Mauritania can expand its industrial base and become a stronger regional supplier of higher value goods.