The World Bank has commended on June 19 Mauritania for maintaining macroeconomic stability despite a slight slowdown in economic growth in 2024, which stood at 5.2%, down from 6.4% the previous year.
In its latest economic update—the eighth edition focused on Mauritania—the Bank attributes the decline primarily to reduced output in the extractive sector and weaker public consumption. Nonetheless, the country’s economic performance remains above the regional average.
The report highlights that a combination of restrictive monetary policy and falling global prices has helped reduce inflation.
Additionally, the Mauritanian government has made notable progress in cutting its budget deficit and enforcing greater fiscal discipline.
Efforts to reform the social protection system have also advanced, particularly through the gradual replacement of universal subsidies with targeted cash transfer programmes, such as the “Takaful” initiative. These reforms have been supported by improvements in identifying vulnerable populations using the national social register.
Looking ahead, the World Bank emphasises the importance of continuing these reforms alongside economic diversification and prudent investment of mining revenues into non-extractive, productive sectors.
To sustain inclusive growth and long-term economic resilience, the report recommends modernising the social register, improving targeting mechanisms, adapting food aid to household needs, strengthening institutional coordination, expanding economic integration programmes, and implementing exit strategies for aid beneficiaries.