Spain announces its first trade and economic representative in Mauritania

International Conference Centre, Nouakchott (Islamic Republic of Mauritania)

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, during the closing ceremony of the Spain-Mauritania Business Meeting.

The forum, which brought together representatives of more than 70 companies from the two countries, was a demonstration of Spain's commitment to the economic development of Mauritania, and more broadly, of the African continent, in a long-term strategic commitment based on interdependence, shared opportunities and mutual prosperity.

During his speech, the President of the Government of Spain announced that, as of 1 September, Spain will have its first economic and commercial representative in Mauritania, thus reinforcing institutional support for the growing business interest in the country. He also stressed that Spain is Mauritania's main customer within the EU, and Mauritania, in turn, is one of Spain's main trading partners in sub-Saharan Africa. Pedro Sánchez called on Spanish companies to step up their presence in key sectors such as energy transition, infrastructure, sustainable tourism and the blue economy.

He also recalled that Spain launched in February 2024 a support package for investment in Mauritania of up to 200 million euros, which includes loans for green projects, financing for feasibility studies and risk coverage mechanisms. This initiative is in addition to other tools such as the Africa Avanza Alliance or participation in the European Global Gateway programme, with outstanding projects in energy and digital infrastructures in the country.

Pedro Sánchez stressed that the role of the government is to create the right conditions, but the real engine of change is business. He acknowledged the drive of the Spanish business community, especially the SMEs in the Canary Islands, and encouraged them to continue building, with ambition and vision, a strategic relationship with Africa based on stability, development and joint growth.

Non official translation