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 Link
The 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 railway
The ambitious upgrades program includes
1. Rehabilitation of Existing Rail Infrastructure
The ageing track will be completely overhauled to increase capacity, improve safety, and lower transportation costs
2. Construction of 42 kilometers of new track
This expansion will connect additional mining sites in El Aouj and Atomai, allowing SNIM to increase production and diversify extraction areas
3. Purchase of new locomotives and wagons
New rolling stock will significantly reduce fuel consumption, increase operational reliability, and boost export volumes
4. Advanced maintenance tools
Upgraded 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 Economy
The 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.
Conclusion
The $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 - TendersOnTime
TendersOnTime - 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 TendersOnTime
Find all Mauritania government tenders, eProcurement updates, and contract award notices on TendersOnTime
Explore live tenders, bids, and procurement opportunities in Mauritania with TendersOnTime - The global tender portal
TendersOnTime brings you verified tenders, procurement news, and contract awards from Mauritania and worldwide
#RossoBridge #PolyChangda #SenegalInfrastructure #MauritaniaDevelopment #AfricaInfrastructure #BridgeConstruction #Engineering #WestAfricaProjects #TransportConnectivity #CrossBorderInfrastructure #EconomicDevelopment #InfrastructureInvestment #ConstructionIndustry #AfricaChinaCooperation #SenegalMauritaniaLink #MegaPowerProjectsAfrica #EngineeringNews #UrbanDevelopmentProjects #InfrastructureGrowth
