EIB Global and AfDB Commit $275 Million to Transform Mauritania’s Strategic Railway Corridor
04 Dec 2025
Mauritania's ambitious drive to modernise its transport and mining logistics sectors has gained significant momentum thanks to a $275 million joint financing package from the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Signed at the Africa Investment Forum 2025, this funding represents one of Mauritania's most significant infrastructure commitments in recent years, strengthening the country's mining exports.A Boost for Mauritania's Most Critical Rail LinkThe financing, which includes a $150 million AfDB loan and a $125 million EIB Global loan guaranteed by the European Union, will help upgrade the Zouerate-Nouadhibou railway corridor.This corridor is critical to Mauritania's economy because it allows iron ore to be transported from inland mines near Zouerate to export terminals on the Atlantic Coast.The loans will go directly to Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM), Mauritania's largest state-owned mining company and rail line operator. SNIM, Mauritania's largest employer, is central to the country's mining-driven economy.EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle emphasized the strategic significance of the investment:"This project will strengthen SNIM's transport corridor, increase exports, and contribute to the country's economic development." A strong example of how the EU and the EIB carry out the Global Gateway strategy."Project Scope: Modernize 700 kilometers of mining railwayThe ambitious upgrades program includes1. Rehabilitation of Existing Rail InfrastructureThe ageing track will be completely overhauled to increase capacity, improve safety, and lower transportation costs2. Construction of 42 kilometers of new trackThis expansion will connect additional mining sites in El Aouj and Atomai, allowing SNIM to increase production and diversify extraction areas3. Purchase of new locomotives and wagonsNew rolling stock will significantly reduce fuel consumption, increase operational reliability, and boost export volumes4. Advanced maintenance toolsUpgraded equipment will improve lifecycle management, reduce downtime, and strengthen the overall resilience of the transportation system.SNIM CEO Mohamed Vall Mohamed Telmidy highlighted the project's long-term significance"Improving our logistics chain is a key component of our strategic plan. It directly contributes to achieving our production goals."Strategic Impact: Boosting Mauritania's Mining and Export EconomyThe upgrade of the Zouerate-Nouadhibou railway is expected to generate significant economic and social benefits Increased mineral export capacity, boosting national revenue Improved reliability of a corridor critical to the global iron ore supply chain Job creation in engineering, construction, and railroad operations Enhanced transport resilience, particularly in the face of climate-related risks Support for environmentally efficient operations through reduced fuel consumption and modernised logistics Increased regional connectivity, with repercussions on local communities AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah stated:This financing is a significant milestone for Mauritania. "We are increasing private sector investment in strategic value chains.Part of the EU Global Gateway and Africa's Broader Logistics Transformation.The project is consistent with the EU's Global Gateway Initiative, which seeks to strengthen sustainable infrastructure and secure strategic raw material supply chains throughout Africa.By choosing a non-sovereign corporate loan structure, the AfDB and EIB demonstrate their growing trust in SNIM's governance and operational capabilities. It also reflects a broader regional trend of leveraging private sector financing for large-scale infrastructure.ConclusionThe $275 million EIB-AfDB package is more than just a railway investment; it is a strategic economic catalyst for Mauritania. From boosting exports to modernizing logistics and reinforcing climate resilience, the upgraded corridor will shape the country’s long-term development trajectory.As global demand for strategic minerals continues to surge, Mauritania is positioning itself as a reliable, modern, and competitive player in the international mining landscape.Latest Government Tenders and Contract Awards in Mauritania - MauritaniaTendersMauritaniaTenders - Your trusted source for latest government tenders, RFPs, RFQs, and contract awards in Mauritania Stay updated with the latest public procurement opportunities and tender notices in Mauritania at MauritaniaTenders Find all Mauritania government tenders, eProcurement updates, and contract award notices on MauritaniaTendersExplore live tenders, bids, and procurement opportunities in Mauritania with MauritaniaTenders - the MauritaniaTenders portalMauritaniaTenders brings you verified tenders, procurement news, and contract awards from Mauritania #RossoBridge #PolyChangda #SenegalInfrastructure #MauritaniaDevelopment #AfricaInfrastructure #BridgeConstruction #Engineering #WestAfricaProjects #TransportConnectivity #CrossBorderInfrastructure #EconomicDevelopment #InfrastructureInvestment #ConstructionIndustry #AfricaChinaCooperation #SenegalMauritaniaLink #MegaPowerProjectsAfrica #EngineeringNews #UrbanDevelopmentProjects #InfrastructureGrowth
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Mauritania Signs First Ever IPP Deal: A $300 Million Hybrid Solar-Wind Project to Accelerate National Energy Transition
04 Dec 2025
Mauritania has taken a historic step forward in its energy transition by signing its first independent power producer (IPP) contract, a $300 million agreement with Iwa Green Energy to build a *60-megawatt (MW) hybrid solar-wind power plant.The project is a major step forward in Mauritania's strategy to diversify its power mix, attract private investment, and realise its enormous renewable energy potential.A Significant Step Forward for Mauritania's Renewable GoalsThe new facility, which is expected to be operational in September 2026, will significantly increase Mauritania's current installed capacity of approximately 450 MW. It will be the first large-scale renewable plant entirely financed by the private sector, ushering in a new era of debt-free, sustainable energy infrastructure expansion in the country.At the signing ceremony in Nouakchott, Economy and Finance Minister Sid'Ahmed Ould Bouh emphasised the project's importance."This collaboration with private actors demonstrates their trust in the Mauritanian government's commitment to diversifying the production base and providing sustainable energy sources to support the economy."Addressing energy poverty: a critical national priority.Despite its extensive solar and wind resources, Mauritania faces significant energy access challenges: Less than 10% of rural households have access to the national grid. The country continues to rely heavily on imported fossil fuels, making it vulnerable to price shocks. Electricity demand is steadily increasing as the population grows and industrial development accelerates. Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has set ambitious targets: Access to electricity will be universal by 2030. 70% of renewable energy generation within a decade The new hybrid plant will be critical in meeting these objectives, providing dependable, cost-effective electricity while reducing reliance on diesel generation.A Breakthrough Under Desert to Power InitiativeThis is one of the first projects developed under the Desert to Power Independent Power Producer Joint Protocol, a regional framework designed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to Standardise the investment terms. Reduce the risk associated with renewable energy markets. Attract private capital in eleven Sahel countries. Energy Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled emphasised the importance of the IPP financing approach."The fully private financing model will enable the country to increase supply without adding to public debt."Daniel Schroth, AfDB's Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, lauded Mauritania's progress:"This project demonstrates the value of the Joint Protocol as a tool for accelerating IPP projects in the Sahel. It also helps to achieve Mauritania's Mission 300 Energy Compact and the Desert to Power Initiative's goals."A new era of clean energy investment in Africa.Mauritania's success reflects a growing continental trend: African governments are increasingly turning to independent power producers to scale renewable energy without straining public budgets.The move instills confidence in global investors and paves the way for faster clean energy development throughout the Sahel.Regarding the Desert to Power InitiativeThe Desert to Power Initiative, launched by the African Development Bank Group in 2019, aims to make the Sahel region the world's largest solar power zone.It focusses on eleven nations:Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sudan.The initiative promotes both grid and off-grid solar systems, increasing energy access for millions while lowering carbon emissions.ConclusionMauritania's first IPP solar-wind hybrid power plant is more than just an energy project; it represents a watershed moment for the country's economy, energy security, and climate strategy. With construction set to begin soon, Mauritania is establishing itself as a renewable energy leader in the Sahel.Latest Government Tenders and Contract Awards in Mauritania - MauritaniaTendersMauritaniaTenders - Your trusted source for latest government tenders, RFPs, RFQs, and contract awards in Mauritania Stay updated with the latest public procurement opportunities and tender notices in Mauritania at MauritaniaTenders Find all Mauritania government tenders, eProcurement updates, and contract award notices on MauritaniaTendersExplore live tenders, bids, and procurement opportunities in Mauritania with MauritaniaTenders - the MauritaniaTenders portalMauritaniaTenders brings you verified tenders, procurement news, and contract awards from Mauritania #MauritaniaEnergy #RenewableEnergyAfrica #HybridSolarWind #DesertToPower #AfricanDevelopmentBank #IPPProjects #CleanEnergyTransition #SustainableDevelopment #GreenEnergyProjects#SolarEnergyAfrica #WindEnergyAfrica #EnergyAccess #MauritaniaRenewables #PowerInfrastructure #PrivateSectorInvestment #SahelEnergy #ClimateActionAfrica #EnergyFinancing #Decarbonisation #ElectricityAccess
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Poly Changda Secures €47 Million Contract to Build Rosso Bridge Linking Senegal and Mauritania
03 Dec 2025
Leading Chinese construction company Poly Changda Engineering Co. Ltd. has been given a €47 million contract to build the Rosso Bridge, a ground-breaking project that will improve regional integration, trade, and mobility between Senegal and Mauritania. This is a significant infrastructure milestone for West Africa.The contract marks a significant step in the long-awaited development of the Rosso Bridge, a crucial cross-border link that will span the Senegal River, enhancing transport efficiency and economic cooperation in the region.A New Era of Connectivity for West AfricaThe Rosso Bridge project aims to replace the current ferry system that connects Rosso, Senegal, and Rosso, Mauritania, which frequently experiences delays, congestion, and capacity constraints.When completed, the bridge will: Provide a reliable transportation corridor between the two countries. Increase regional trade flows on the Dakar-Nouakchott highway. Facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services Enhance economic competitiveness for both nations The bridge will be a key part of the Trans-African Highway Network, improving links between North and West Africa.Poly Changda’s Role in the ProjectPoly Changda Engineering Co. Ltd., a global leader in transportation and civil engineering projects, will lead: Engineers and designers Building of the entire bridge structure Installation of safety and transportation systems Delivery to strict international standards The €47 million contract reflects the increasing collaboration between Chinese engineering firms and African infrastructure agencies.The Economic and Social ImpactThe Rosso Bridge is expected to deliver numerous benefits: Enhanced cross-border travelWhat used to take hours due to ferry delays will now take only minutes. Improved trade and logistics capacityThe bridge will facilitate smoother regional supply chains and reduce transportation costs.Job creation The project will create both direct and indirect employment opportunities for local workers. Improved regional integrationSenegal and Mauritania will benefit from an efficient link that supports ECOWAS and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives. improved security and accessibility.Improved border access will make it easier to move people, visit places, and use emergency services.A Step Towards Africa's Infrastructure ModernisationThe Rosso Bridge is one of several cross-border infrastructure projects being developed across Africa, indicating a push for improved mobility, energy infrastructure, and economic diversification.With construction underway, the €47 million bridge is expected to become a symbol of cooperation, representing the growing partnership between African nations and global engineering firms.Latest Government Tenders and Contract Awards in Mauritania - MauritaniaTendersMauritaniaTenders - Your trusted source for latest government tenders, RFPs, RFQs, and contract awards in Mauritania Stay updated with the latest public procurement opportunities and tender notices in Mauritania at MauritaniaTenders Find all Mauritania government tenders, eProcurement updates, and contract award notices on MauritaniaTendersExplore live tenders, bids, and procurement opportunities in Mauritania with MauritaniaTenders - the MauritaniaTenders portalMauritaniaTenders brings you verified tenders, procurement news, and contract awards from Mauritania #RossoBridge #Senegal #ContractAwards #Mauritania #WestAfricaInfrastructure #PolyChangda #ChinaAfricaProjects #AfricanDevelopment #CrossBorderInfrastructure #TransportInfrastructure #SenegalMauritania #RoadConnectivity #AfricanTrade #PublicProcurement #TransAfricanHighway #InfrastructureInvestment #BridgeConstruction #EngineeringProjects #EconomicIntegration #AfricaRising #ConstructionNews #GlobalInfrastructure
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