AGP Executive Report

Mauritania–Germany Cooperation: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m financial cooperation deal in Nouakchott to boost technical and vocational training, protect coastal biodiversity, and develop the blue economy, with €20m for training and €15m for coastal projects including marine research, anti-litter efforts, and tackling overfishing and coastal erosion. Nouakchott Power Recovery: Morocco sent a technical team and equipment to help restore electricity after two transformer-station fires in Nouakchott (Toujounine and Tevragh Zeina) left large areas without power for up to about 72 hours, with Senegal also providing support via teams and gear. Sahel Land Restoration & Food Security: The UN recognized the WFP-led Sahel Integrated Resilience Initiative as a World Restoration Flagship, citing work across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger to rehabilitate 335,000 hectares and support over 4 million people through land restoration plus nutrition and smallholder support. UNCCD COP17 Restoration Push: At COP17 in Mongolia, the UN awarded three World Restoration Flagships aiming to restore nearly 5 million hectares by 2030, reinforcing land restoration as a direct lever for livelihoods and resilience. Aquaculture Inputs Watch: A fishmeal market outlook projects growth to $12.078bn by 2034, driven by tighter fishmeal/oil supplies and expanding aquaculture demand—relevant for feed costs and production planning.

Mauritania–Germany Cooperation: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m deal in Nouakchott to boost technical and vocational training, protect coastal biodiversity and develop the blue economy, with €20m for skills and €15m for coastal/marine priorities. Sahel Land Restoration & Food Security: The UN recognized the WFP-led Sahel Integrated Resilience Initiative as a World Restoration Flagship under UNCCD COP17, citing work across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger affecting 4m+ people and restoring 335,000+ hectares. UNCCD COP17 Flagships: UN announced three new World Restoration Flagships (Brazil, the Sahel, Saudi Arabia) targeting nearly 5m hectares restored by 2030 to strengthen food and water security. Nouakchott Power Recovery: Morocco and Senegal sent technical support and equipment after Nouakchott suffered 24–72 hours of outages linked to fires at transformer stations, with SOMELEC reporting gradual power restoration. Trade & Agriculture Signals: A report on EU watermelon sourcing shows Mauritania among top suppliers, while Spain’s exports to the EU fell sharply as Morocco gained ground.

Vocational & Blue Economy Funding: Mauritania and Germany signed a €35m deal in Nouakchott to boost technical and vocational training (€20m) and protect coastal biodiversity while developing the blue economy (€15m), including construction and upgrades of training institutions plus marine research and ecosystem protection. Power Reliability in Nouakchott: Morocco sent a technical team and equipment to help restore electricity after Nouakchott suffered 24–72 hours of outages linked to fires at transformer stations in Toujounine and Tevragh Zeina; SOMELEC reported power returning to affected neighborhoods as repairs continued with Moroccan and Senegalese support. Land Restoration for Food Security: The UN World Food Programme highlighted the Sahel Integrated Resilience Initiative as a UN World Restoration Flagship, citing work across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger—rehabilitating 335,000+ hectares and supporting school meals, nutrition, and smallholder farmers. Restoration Momentum at UNCCD COP17: UN agencies also announced three new World Restoration Flagships (Brazil, the Sahel, Saudi Arabia) under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, targeting nearly 5m hectares restored by 2030. Digital Shift in Mauritania Telecoms: Mauritania’s internet subscriptions rose 20.8% in 2024 to 3.65m, while outgoing voice traffic fell about 9%, signaling a move toward messaging apps and data services.

Power Restoration in Nouakchott: Morocco sent a technical team, equipment and supplies to help Mauritania restore electricity after two transformer-station fires left parts of Nouakchott without power for about 24–72 hours; Senegal also provided teams and gear, with SOMELEC reporting gradual returns to affected neighborhoods as repairs continued at the western substation. Telecom Shift in Mauritania: Mauritania saw internet subscriptions jump 21% in 2024 to over 3.65 million, while outgoing phone traffic fell about 9%, signaling a move from traditional voice calls toward messaging and data services. Energy & Regional Oil-Gas Signals: Senegal confirmed official patronage for MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 (1–3 Dec, Dakar), highlighting momentum in the MSGBC basin; separately, Viridien signed a multi-client subsurface data deal with Petrosen to improve offshore exploration intelligence across the wider MSGBC region. Agribusiness Trade Context: Watermelon supply to the EU shows shifting dynamics: Spain remains the top supplier but is losing ground to Morocco, while Mauritania ranks among the EU’s suppliers. Digital & Business Capacity Building: Derawi Tides (FasterCapital/launchup) reported progress on a Sheikh Zayed Prize application and is arranging travel to Mauritania for next-stage activities.

Power Restoration in Nouakchott: Morocco sent a technical team, equipment and supplies to help SOMELEC restore electricity after two transformer-station fires left large parts of Nouakchott without power for 24–72 hours, with Senegal also providing teams and gear; power was gradually returning to affected neighborhoods in Nouakchott North as repairs continued at the western Tevragh Zeina station. Telecom Shift: Mauritania recorded a major move toward data services, with internet subscriptions up 20.8% in 2024 to over 3.65 million while outgoing phone traffic fell about 9%, signaling consumers shifting from voice calls to messaging and internet platforms. Energy & Exploration in MSGBC: Viridien signed a multi-client subsurface data deal with Senegal’s Petrosen covering the MSGBC basin, aiming to improve regional geoscience benchmarks and support exploration investment. Agriculture Trade Signals: Spain remained the top EU watermelon supplier in early 2026 but saw steep export declines, while Morocco gained share; Mauritania ranked seventh among suppliers, highlighting ongoing regional competition in food exports. Regional Diplomacy for Business: Egypt and Mauritania’s foreign ministers discussed expanding cooperation in energy, mining, fisheries, agriculture and logistics, and the push for regular committee meetings to strengthen trade and investment.

Telecom Shift in Mauritania: Mauritania saw internet subscriptions jump 21% in 2024 to over 3.65 million, while traditional voice traffic fell about 9%—a clear move toward messaging apps and data services. Energy & Regional Oil Data: Viridien signed a multi-client subsurface data deal with Senegal’s Petrosen for the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration decisions across the Mauritania–Senegal–Gambia–Guinea Bissau–Guinea Conakry corridor. Cross-Border Energy Cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania’s foreign ministers discussed expanding ties in energy, mining, fisheries, agriculture and logistics, with plans to hold regular economic committee sessions to deepen trade and investment. Startup Progress Linked to Mauritania: Derawi Tides, supported through FasterCapital’s launchup program, says it has advanced its Sheikh Zayed Prize application and is coordinating visas and stakeholder engagement for next-stage activities in Mauritania. Industrialisation Push for Africa: The UN Economic Commission for Africa urged SADC to turn mineral and agricultural wealth into industrial production and regional value chains, arguing Africa can move from exporting raw commodities to higher-value processing.

Energy & Geoscience: Viridien signed a strategic multi-client deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to deliver improved sub-surface data across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration decisions and capacity building in the Mauritania–Senegal–Gambia–Guinea Bissau–Guinea Conakry region. Regional Energy Events: Senegal confirmed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Energy Minister Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf as official participants at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 (1–3 Dec, Dakar), as the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project ramps up exports with Mauritania. Telecoms Digital Shift (Mauritania): Mauritania recorded a 21% jump in internet subscriptions in 2024 to 3.65m+ while outgoing phone traffic fell ~9%, signaling a move from voice to messaging and data services. Startup & Local Engagement: Derawi Tides (FasterCapital/launchup) says it has advanced its Sheikh Zayed Prize application and is coordinating visas and stakeholder outreach for next-stage activities in Mauritania. Industrialisation Push (ECA): UN Economic Commission for Africa urged SADC to turn mineral and agricultural wealth into industrial production and regional value chains, highlighting the jobs gap in mining and the opportunity in processing. Climate-Smart Food Systems: Coverage highlights West Africa’s reliance on informal cross-border food trade and the need for climate-smart agriculture to protect supply and prices.

MSGBC Energy & Data: Viridien signed a strategic multi-client deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to deliver improved offshore subsurface data across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration benchmarks and capacity building. Regional Energy Events: Senegal confirmed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Energy Minister Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf for MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 (1–3 Dec, Dakar), as Greater Tortue Ahmeyim ramps up exports and Sangomar output rises. Startup Support for Mauritania: Derawi Tides, backed via FasterCapital’s launchup program, says it has submitted a Sheikh Zayed Prize application and is coordinating visas and stakeholder engagement for its next-stage activities in Mauritania. Telecom Shift in Mauritania: Mauritania recorded a 21% surge in internet subscriptions in 2024 while outgoing call traffic fell, signaling a move from voice to data and messaging services. Industrialisation Push: UN Economic Commission for Africa urged SADC to turn mineral and agricultural wealth into industrial production and regional value chains. Climate-Smart Food Systems: A West Africa food-systems brief highlights how climate-smart agriculture and better trade/data can stabilize prices and improve resilience. Mining Safety: A gold mine collapse in Central African Republic killed more than 100 people, with rescue and investigations ongoing.

Mauritania–Telecom Shift: Mauritania saw internet subscriptions jump 20.8% in 2024 to 3.65 million, while outgoing phone traffic fell about 9% as users moved from voice calls to messaging and data services. Energy & MSGBC Basin: Senegal confirmed high-level participation in MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 (1–3 Dec, Dakar), with Mauritania-Senegal LNG Greater Tortue Ahmeyim running at full capacity after early-2025 exports. Offshore Data for Exploration: Viridien signed a multi-client subsurface data deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve regional geoscience and support exploration investment across the MSGBC basin. Agriculture & Dates: Mauritania’s 5th International Date Festival opened in Atar under President Ghazouani, backed by the UAE, spotlighting date-palm cultivation, post-harvest innovation, and sustainable farming. Desertification Tech Transfer: China promoted large-scale desert restoration methods at UNCCD COP17, pushing “implementation” models that can be scaled beyond pilot projects. Regional Trade & Food Systems: Coverage highlights how informal cross-border food trade in West Africa stabilizes prices and supports resilience—an angle relevant for Mauritania’s agri-logistics and market planning.

Sahrawi Conflict & Diplomacy: A new interview revisits the Polisario Front’s push for education, diplomacy and unity, and the renewed armed struggle since 2020—framing the Sahrawi dispute as an issue still shaped by stalled UN promises. Energy & Geoscience in MSGBC: Viridien signed a multi-client subsurface data deal with Senegal’s Petrosen, aiming to improve offshore benchmarks and boost exploration confidence across the Mauritania–Senegal–Gambia–Guinea Bissau–Guinea Conakry basin. Mauritania Telecom Shift: Mauritania saw internet subscriptions jump 21% in 2024 to 3.65m, while outgoing call minutes fell, signaling a move toward messaging and data services. Mauritania–Egypt Economic Cooperation: Foreign ministers of Mauritania and Egypt discussed expanding ties in energy, mining, fisheries, agriculture and logistics, and flagged upcoming committee sessions to deepen trade and investment. Startup Support for Mauritania: Derawi Tides reported progress after FasterCapital support—submitting a Sheikh Zayed Prize application and coordinating visas and on-the-ground steps for its next Mauritania activities. Agriculture & Dates: The 5th Mauritanian International Date Festival opened in Atar, spotlighting date-palm cultivation, post-harvest innovation and UAE-backed agricultural cooperation. Blue Economy: A regional focus on fisheries and aquaculture highlights Africa’s protein gap and the push for sustainable aquatic food value chains.

Energy & Geoscience: Viridien signed a multi-client subsurface data deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve offshore exploration intelligence across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost investment decisions and capacity building. Regional Oil & Gas Events: MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 confirmed Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Energy Minister Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf as official participants in Dakar (1–3 Dec), with Mauritania-Senegal LNG progress highlighted. Mauritania Telecom Shift: Mauritania recorded a 21% jump in internet subscriptions in 2024 (to 3.65m+), while outgoing phone traffic fell about 9%, showing a clear move from voice to data services. Agribusiness & Dates: The 5th Mauritanian International Date Festival opened in Atar under President Ghazouani, with UAE support, featuring exhibitions, a date competition, and a symposium on post-harvest and cultivation tech. Startup Support: Derawi Tides reported operational milestones with FasterCapital, including follow-up on a Sheikh Zayed Prize application and visa coordination for planned activity in Mauritania. Blue Economy: A wider West Africa focus piece points to fisheries and aquaculture as major growth levers, linking food security and jobs to stronger marine value chains.

Telecom Shift in Mauritania: Mauritania saw internet subscriptions jump 21% in 2024 to 3.65M+ as traditional call traffic fell about 9%, signaling a move toward messaging and data services. Energy & Geoscience in MSGBC: Viridien signed a multi-client subsurface data deal with Senegal’s Petrosen for the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration decisions and capacity building across the Mauritania–Senegal–Gambia corridor. Oil & Gas Event in Dakar: MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 confirmed Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Energy Minister Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf for 1–3 December, with Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG now at full capacity. Agribusiness Spotlight: Mauritania’s 5th International Date Festival opened in Atar with 245 exhibitors and a scientific symposium on date-palm cultivation and post-harvest innovation, backed by the UAE. Diplomacy for Trade: Egypt’s FM and Mauritania’s counterpart discussed expanding cooperation in energy, mining, fisheries, agriculture and logistics, including plans for regular economic committee sessions. Regional Industry Push: UN Economic Commission for Africa urged SADC to industrialize by processing minerals and agricultural resources into regional value chains.

Mauritania Telecom Shift: Mauritania saw internet subscriptions jump 21% in 2024 to 3.65m, while outgoing phone traffic fell about 9% as users moved from voice calls to messaging and data services. Energy & Geoscience in MSGBC: Viridien signed a multi-client deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve offshore subsurface data across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration investment and capacity building. Regional Oil & Gas Events: Senegal confirmed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Energy Minister Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf for MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 in Dakar (1–3 Dec), highlighting full-capacity LNG operations with Mauritania. Agribusiness & Dates: Mauritania’s 5th International Date Festival opened in Atar with 245 exhibitors, focusing on date-palm cultivation, post-harvest innovation, and sustainable farming—backed by the UAE. Digital & Industry Support: Derawi Tides (FasterCapital/launchup) reported progress on its Sheikh Zayed Prize application and is coordinating visas and stakeholder engagement for next-stage activities in Mauritania. Cross-border Mobility Showcase: Lynk & Co 08 served as official vehicle for QUEST DAKAR 2026, completing a 3,200+ km Casablanca–Nouakchott–Dakar expedition through Mauritania and Senegal. Diplomacy for Trade: Egypt and Mauritania’s foreign ministers discussed expanding cooperation in energy, mining, fisheries, agriculture and logistics, including plans for a renewed economic committee session.**

Energy & Investment (MSGBC): Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Energy Minister Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf will officially patronize MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 in Dakar (1–3 Dec), as the region pushes harder on hydrocarbons investment—highlighting Sangomar output and Mauritania–Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG ramp-up. Geoscience for Exploration (MSGBC): Viridien signed a multi-client subsurface data deal with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve offshore intelligence across the MSGBC basin, aiming to boost exploration attractiveness and capacity building. Mauritania Telecom Shift: Mauritania recorded a 21% jump in internet subscriptions in 2024 (to 3.65m+) while traditional call volumes fell, signaling a consumer move toward data and messaging services. Agribusiness & Dates (Mauritania): The 5th Mauritanian International Date Festival opened in Atar with 245 exhibitors, spotlighting date-palm cultivation, post-harvest innovation, and UAE-backed sustainable agriculture. Cross-border Mobility (Region): Lynk & Co 08 served as official vehicle for QUEST DAKAR 2026, completing a 3,200+ km overland expedition through Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal. Digital Finance (Africa–China): A report says more African institutions are integrating with China’s CIPS for yuan trade payments, with implications for cross-border commerce tied to mining and imports. Food Systems (West Africa): Coverage highlights how informal cross-border food trade stabilizes prices and reaches markets faster than official channels—key for regional resilience.

Mauritania Telecom Shift: Mauritania saw internet subscriptions jump 21% in 2024 to 3.65 million, while outgoing voice traffic fell about 9%—a clear move from traditional calls to messaging and data services. Energy & Geoscience: Viridien signed a multi-client subsurface data deal with Senegal’s Petrosen covering the MSGBC basin (Mauritania–Senegal–Gambia–Guinea-Bissau–Guinea-Conakry), aiming to improve exploration data and build local capacity. Agribusiness & Dates: The 5th Mauritanian International Date Festival opened in Atar with 245 exhibitors and 76 pavilions, spotlighting date-palm cultivation, post-harvest innovation, and sustainable farming—supported by Mauritania’s agriculture ministry and the UAE. Cross-border Industry & Mobility: Lynk & Co 08 served as official vehicle for QUEST DAKAR 2026, completing a 3,200+ km desert expedition through Casablanca, Dakhla, Nouakchott and Saint-Louis to Dakar. Food Systems & Climate: A West Africa-focused report highlights how climate-smart agriculture and stronger trade/data systems are reshaping food security, noting the scale of informal cross-border food trade.

Energy & Geoscience Deal: Viridien signed a strategic multi-client partnership with Senegal’s PETROSEN to deliver “comprehensive subsurface intelligence” across the MSGBC basin (Mauritania–Senegal–Gambia–Guinea Bissau–Guinea Conakry), aiming to improve data quality, capacity building and sustainable resource development. Telecom Shift in Mauritania: Mauritania saw internet subscriptions jump 21% in 2024 to 3.65m+ as outgoing voice traffic fell about 9%, signaling a move from traditional calls to messaging and data services. Diplomacy for Trade: Egypt’s FM Badr Abdelatty and Mauritania’s Mohamed Salem Ould Merzouk discussed expanding cooperation in energy, mining, fisheries, agriculture and logistics, including plans for regular committee meetings. Agri-Industry Spotlight (Dates): Mauritania’s 5th International Date Festival opened in Atar with 245 exhibitors and 76 pavilions, highlighting date-palm innovation, post-harvest tech and UAE-backed sustainable agriculture. Blue Economy Theme: A wider Africa brief highlights fisheries and aquaculture as fast-growing food and jobs engines, with aquaculture expansion framed as a way to close protein gaps. Climate Extremes Watch: A Foreign Policy Africa brief flags worsening drought, wildfires and flooding across North and West Africa, stressing weak planning and drainage as key drivers.