Investing in Mauritania in 2026
Sub-Saharan Africa
32
Score
Caution Investment Destination
Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies
Mauritania earns an investment score of 32/100, placing it in the caution category for global investors. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (40/100) and economic health (35/100), with overall GDP of $10B and per-capita output of $2,100. Growth is running at 4.5% with 8.0% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 5.0%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Mining (Iron Ore, Gold) (sector score 60/100, currently growing), which represents 18% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 95% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Mauritania is with the global economy.
How Mauritania's investment score has evolved over time
Mining (Iron Ore, Gold)
18% of GDP, growing
Energy (Gas)
5% of GDP, growing
Fisheries
6% of GDP, stable
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Mauritania a safe country to invest in?
Mauritania carries a caution risk rating with an overall investment score of 32/100. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. Sub-scores: economic health 35/100, political stability 25/100, business climate 32/100, financial strength 30/100, growth potential 40/100.
What is Mauritania's sovereign credit rating?
Mauritania holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Mauritania?
The top investment sectors in Mauritania are Mining (Iron Ore, Gold), Energy (Gas), Fisheries. Mining (Iron Ore, Gold) leads with a sector score of 60/100 and represents 18% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Mauritania's GDP growth rate?
Mauritania's most recent GDP growth was 4.5%, with total GDP of $10B and GDP per capita of $2,100. Inflation is running at 5.0% and the current account balance is -12.0% of GDP.
How does Mauritania score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Mauritania scores: political stability -0.5, rule of law -0.8, corruption control -0.7, and regulatory quality -0.5.
Can foreigners invest in Mauritania?
Most industries in Mauritania are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Mauritania?
Foreign Direct Investment in Mauritania runs at 8.0% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 95%. These figures show how integrated Mauritania is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Mauritania?
Mauritania's government debt stands at 50% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.