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Public Procurement in Mauritania

Public Procurement in Mauritania constitutes a major component of public expenditure and state-led development in a lower middle-income economy. Government procurement supports infrastructure development, public service delivery, and economic diversification efforts across multiple sectors.

The procurement system in Mauritania is governed by a centralized institutional and legal framework. Procurement activities are regulated by national legislation and overseen by a dedicated control authority, ensuring standardized procedures across public entities.

For domestic suppliers, regional contractors, and international firms, government tenders in Mauritania provide structured opportunities, particularly in infrastructure, energy, transport, and public administration projects.

Country & Economic Overview

Mauritania’s economy relies heavily on extractive industries, agriculture, and public investment. Public procurement therefore functions as a critical tool for executing government programs and infrastructure projects.

Public Procurement Governance Framework

The governance of public procurement in Mauritania is centralized and supervised by a national control authority operating under the Prime Minister’s office.

The Commission oversees procurement compliance, validates procedures, and ensures adherence to national procurement regulations across contracting authorities.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

The public procurement law in Mauritania is governed by the Public Procurement Code and implementing regulations. The framework establishes procurement methods, evaluation rules, and oversight mechanisms.

• Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT): Article 84
• Sustainability Clause: Provided for in the Procurement Code
• SME Participation: Explicitly recognized in law
• Bid Securities: Articles 54 and 94
• Public Bid Openings: Article 51
• Domestic Preference: Provided under the Procurement Code
• Complaint Resolution: Article 161

The legal framework applies uniformly to goods, works, and services procurement.

Procurement Procedures & Thresholds

Procurement procedures in Mauritania are defined under the Public Procurement Code.

• Standstill period: 5 days for goods, works, and services.
• Bid validity periods regulated under Articles 25 and 51.
• Tender thresholds defined under Article 5.
• Advertisement timelines regulated under Article 78.
• Direct contracting thresholds are not defined in law.

Procurement decisions are subject to review and administrative oversight.

E-Procurement System in Mauritania

An official national eProcurement system in Mauritania has not been established. Procurement notices and tender documents are published through administrative channels, and tender documents are available for download.

Procurement Market Characteristics

Public procurement activity in Mauritania covers a broad range of sectors aligned with national development priorities.

• Infrastructure, transport, and public works projects dominate procurement activity.
• Goods and services procurement supports public administration and social services.
• Domestic preference provisions apply to eligible suppliers.

Transparency, Complaints & Oversight

The procurement framework includes formal complaint mechanisms and oversight by the national control authority. Public procurement reports are published by the Commission Nationale de Contrôle des Marchés Publics.

Sustainability & Green Public Procurement

The procurement law includes sustainability considerations and requires the use of green public procurement practices in principle. However, specific green procurement strategies, targets, or monitoring tools are not defined.

Social & Ethical Procurement Considerations

The legal framework provides for SME participation and domestic preference. Specific statutory requirements for women-owned businesses, disadvantaged groups, or international labour standards are not explicitly defined.

Key Challenges & Practical Insights for Bidders

• Limited digitalization of procurement processes
• Strong procedural and documentation requirements
• Capacity constraints within contracting authorities
• Preference rules affecting competition dynamics

Practical bidding tips

1. Closely follow national procurement code requirements.
2. Prepare documentation in accordance with published procedures.
3. Monitor official procurement publications and reports.
4. Factor administrative timelines into bid planning.

Overall, Public Procurement in Mauritania offers a centralized, rules-based procurement environment where compliant and well-prepared bidders can participate in government tenders across priority development sectors.