AGP Executive Report

Great Green Wall: A new $78 million UN-backed programme will support land restoration and livelihoods across nine countries, including Mauritania. It aims to rehabilitate more than 270,000 hectares and benefit five million people. Agriculture: UAE-based Elite Agro Holding announced 440 million dirhams for an 8,900-hectare project in Aftout and Rosso, part of a wider regional investment package. Climate and security: A forum in Nouakchott brought regional leaders together to discuss how climate change affects peace, security and development, and ways to build resilience. Water management: Mauritania held a workshop on joining a UN convention for shared watercourses, focusing on cooperation and the country’s water-management challenges. Heat and animal welfare: A 13-year-old donkey in Mauritania hauls 400 litres of water a day in temperatures above 36°C, highlighting the strain extreme heat and daily hazards place on working animals.

Agriculture: Elite Agro Holding announced Dhs440 million for an 8,900-hectare Aftout/Rosso project in Mauritania, part of a wider regional investment package. Water Management: A Nouakchott workshop is building support for Mauritania’s possible accession to the UN convention on shared watercourses and lakes, with a focus on benefits, obligations and implementation. Climate and Security: A regional forum opened in Nouakchott to address links between climate change, peace and development, and strengthen cooperation on resilience across the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea. Animal Welfare: A 13-year-old donkey in Mauritania hauls 400 litres of water daily in temperatures above 36°C, facing heat, plastic waste and traffic hazards. Marine Conservation: Mauritania voted against a proposed South Atlantic whale sanctuary, which failed to secure the required majority at the International Whaling Commission.

Climate-Peace-Security Forum: In Nouakchott, Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Djay opened a UNDP-backed high-level forum linking climate change, peace, security and development across the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea, calling for stronger regional cooperation and resilience. Clean Energy Push: Mauritania signed a concessional loan with France to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aimed at cutting rural-urban service gaps and expanding electricity access. Water for Kiffa: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed to help finance drinking-water supply for Kiffa and nearby towns from the Senegal River, with a modern network to reduce water stress. Heat, Work and Animal Welfare: A new video and poll spotlighted working donkeys in Mauritania—like 13-year-old Lagdaf hauling 400 litres daily in extreme heat—highlighting road and plastic-waste hazards and the climate pressure on livelihoods. Human Rights Planning: Mauritania approved a national action plan (2024–2026) to combat trafficking in persons, with support from IOM and a focus on protecting victims and witnesses. Regional Integration: President El Ghazouani reaffirmed Mauritania’s commitment to deeper West African integration at an ECOWAS summit, stressing dialogue and collective action on shared challenges.

Climate Heat & Livelihoods: A new video from Working Animals International spotlights 13-year-old donkey Lagdaf in Mauritania hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours a day, in temperatures above 36°C (with summer highs near 45°C), while warning of hazards like plastic waste and busy roads. Animal Welfare & Awareness: The same campaign cites research showing 1 in 5 adults worldwide don’t feel confident identifying working animals, even though 77% say they want to improve their lives—highlighting a gap between concern and action. Water Security in Mauritania: Mauritania and France-backed financing is set to support 10 solar power stations with storage units, aiming to cut rural-urban electricity gaps and expand access to basic services. Clean Water for Kiffa: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed a deal to help supply Kiffa and nearby towns with drinking water from the Senegal River via a modern network, targeting more stable access and less time spent fetching water. Human Rights Planning: Mauritania’s draft national action plan to combat trafficking in persons (2024–2026) was approved, with a focus on prosecuting perpetrators and protecting victims and witnesses. Biodiversity Pressure: Mauritania voted against a proposed South Atlantic whale sanctuary at the IWC, where the bid again failed to reach the required threshold.

Heat & livelihoods for working animals: A new video spotlights 13-year-old donkey Lagdaf in Mauritania hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours a day, in temperatures above 36°C as climate-driven heat can hit 45°C; the footage also flags hazards like plastic waste and busy roads, while new polling ahead of World Animal Day finds many people don’t understand how vital working animals are. Water security investment: Mauritania and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed support for a drinking-water project for Kiffa and nearby towns, aiming to expand a modern network drawing from the Senegal River and reduce the daily burden of searching for water. Clean power push: A concessional loan agreement with France will finance 10 solar power stations with storage, targeting wider electricity access and narrowing rural-urban gaps. Human rights planning: Mauritania’s Council of Ministers approved a national action plan (2024–2026) to combat trafficking in persons, built through consultations and focused on punishing perpetrators and protecting victims. Regional cooperation: The Ouagadougou Partnership marks 15 years of progress in family planning and sexual/reproductive health, including Mauritania’s participation. Biodiversity pressure: A bid for a South Atlantic whale sanctuary failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Mauritania among countries voting against.

Clean Energy Finance: France and Mauritania signed a concessional loan to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban electricity gaps and expand access to basic services. Water Security: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed to help finance a modern drinking-water network for Kiffa and nearby towns, drawing from the Senegal River to reduce water stress and long journeys. Human Rights & Migration: Mauritania approved a 2024–2026 national action plan to combat trafficking in persons, built with broad consultations and focused on integrated prevention, prosecution, and victim protection. Ports & Logistics: OBT opened in Mauritania to support growing mining, energy, offshore and infrastructure activity, backing Nouakchott and Nouadhibou ports with shipping, customs and heavy-lift logistics. Climate-Linked Livelihoods: A new video highlights working donkeys in Mauritania hauling water for over 10 hours daily in extreme heat, while plastic waste and road risks threaten animal welfare. Biodiversity Pressure: Mauritania voted against a second attempt to create a South Atlantic whale sanctuary at the IWC70 meeting. Regional Energy Strategy: President El Ghazouani reiterated Mauritania’s integrated energy approach and its move toward low-carbon energy and minerals, including observer status in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum.

Solar for Mauritania: France and Mauritania signed a concessional loan to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut the rural-urban electricity gap and expand access to basic services. Water security in Kiffa: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed to finance a drinking-water project for Kiffa and nearby towns using the Senegal River, with a modern network to reduce time spent fetching water. Blue economy push: Mauritania took part in the Blue Africa Summit in Tangier, focusing on coastal actions and sustainable “blue economy” planning. Energy strategy update: Mauritania joined the Gas Exporting Countries Forum as an observer, positioning gas and “low-carbon energies” within an integrated energy strategy. Offshore oil & gas tech outreach: Mauritania participated in an offshore oil and gas technologies conference in Houston, seeking investment and showcasing potential in oil, gas and renewables. Whales protected—again blocked: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed at IWC70; Mauritania voted against, as climate and pollution pressures mount on cetaceans. Heat and animal work in Mauritania: A video highlights 13-year-old donkey Lagdaf hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours a day in extreme heat, with hazards like plastic waste and traffic—raising calls for better support for working animals. Fishing deal pressure: Spain urged the EU to intensify talks to renew its fishing agreement with Mauritania before it expires mid-November, warning fleets could be pushed out. Global restrictions spotlight: A 2026 report lists Mauritania among countries with “maximum restrictions” on Bible access, underscoring how policy and insecurity can restrict basic rights.

Clean Energy Finance: Mauritania and France signed a concessional loan to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban gaps in electricity access. Water Security: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development will finance a major drinking-water project for Kiffa and nearby towns, drawing from the Senegal River and reducing long, risky trips for water. Climate Heat & Livelihoods: A new video spotlights Mauritania’s working donkey Lagdaf hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours a day in extreme heat, while plastic waste and road dangers threaten animal welfare. Biodiversity & Oceans: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Mauritania among countries voting against. Fishing Rights: Spain urged the EU to intensify talks to renew its fishing agreement with Mauritania before a mid-November expiry. Regional Integration: Mauritania’s leadership reaffirmed support for deeper West African integration at an ECOWAS summit, linking resilience to cooperation. Energy Strategy: Mauritania reiterated its integrated energy approach, including low-carbon gas ambitions, as it joins the Gas Exporting Countries Forum as an observer.

Water Security in Mauritania: Mauritania and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed an agreement to finance a modern drinking-water network for Kiffa and nearby towns, drawing from the Senegal River—aimed at stabilizing communities and cutting the daily burden of searching for water. Clean Power Push: Mauritania also signed a concessional loan with France for 10 solar power stations with storage, targeting wider electricity access and narrowing rural-urban gaps. Climate Heat and Working Animals: A new video and survey ahead of World Animal Day spotlight the harsh reality for working donkeys in Mauritania—over 10 hours a day hauling water in temperatures above 36°C—while research finds many people lack awareness of these animals’ role and support. Whale Protection Setback: Mauritania voted against a second attempt to create a South Atlantic whale sanctuary at the International Whaling Commission, where the proposal fell short of the required threshold. Regional Integration: Mauritania’s president reaffirmed support for deeper West African integration at an ECOWAS summit, stressing resilience and collective action on shared challenges. Food Systems and Climate: Mauritania’s agriculture minister linked food sovereignty efforts to climate-change resilience, calling for stronger investment to protect production and productivity. Energy Strategy and Gas: Mauritania joined the Gas Exporting Countries Forum as an observer, framing gas and “low-carbon energies” as part of an integrated energy strategy.

Water & Energy (Mauritania): Mauritania and France signed a concessional loan to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban gaps in electricity access. Water Security (Kiffa): Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed $30m (110m dirhams) toward a Senegal River drinking-water project for Kiffa and nearby towns, with a modern network to reduce long trips for water. Climate Heat & Livelihoods: A new video spotlights 13-year-old Mauritanian donkey Lagdaf hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours a day in extreme heat, highlighting risks like plastic waste and road traffic—while research shows many people want to help but lack awareness. Marine Conservation: A bid for a South Atlantic whale sanctuary failed again at the International Whaling Commission, with Mauritania among countries voting against. EU Support (Regional): The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis relief, including funding that reaches eastern Mauritania for migration-related needs. Food Systems & Climate: Mauritania’s agriculture minister said climate change mitigation and stronger, more resilient food systems are key to food sovereignty efforts. Fisheries (EU-Mauritania): Spain urged the EU to intensify talks to renew a fishing agreement before it expires mid-November, warning its fleet could be pushed out of key Mauritanian grounds.

Working Animals & Heat Stress: Ahead of World Animal Day (4 Oct), a new poll found 1 in 5 adults worldwide feel they can’t identify working animals, despite 77% wanting to improve their lives. In Mauritania, a featured video shows 13-year-old donkey Lagdaf hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours a day in temperatures above 36°C, with climate-driven summer highs reaching about 45°C, while hazards include plastic waste and busy roads. Whale Protection Setback: At IWC70, a South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again, with Mauritania among the countries voting against the proposal. Clean Energy Finance: Mauritania signed a concessional loan with France to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban gaps in electricity access. Water for Kiffa: Mauritania and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed $30m (110m dirhams) to expand drinking-water supply from the Senegal River to Kiffa and nearby towns. Blue Economy Planning: Mauritania took part in Morocco’s first Blue Africa Summit, focusing on coastal challenges and sustainable blue economy models. Sahel Climate & Mobility Aid: The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis relief, including support for host communities in eastern Mauritania.

Working Animals Under Heat Stress: A new poll ahead of World Animal Day finds 1 in 5 adults worldwide can’t confidently identify working animals, even though many communities still rely on donkeys, mules and oxen to move water and supplies. A video spotlights 13-year-old Mauritanian donkey Lagdaf hauling 400 litres of water for over 10 hours a day in temperatures above 36°C, with hazards including plastic waste and busy roads. Whale Sanctuary Vote Fails: At IWC70, a South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid fell short again, with Mauritania among the countries voting against the proposal. Water for Kiffa: Mauritania and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed an agreement to help finance a modern drinking-water network for Kiffa and nearby towns, drawing from the Senegal River. Solar Push: Mauritania also signed a €39.2m concessional loan with France to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban gaps in electricity access. EU Aid Reaches Eastern Mauritania: The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis-affected communities, including support for host communities in eastern Mauritania. Fishing Agreement Pressure: Spain urged the EU to intensify talks to renew its fishing protocol with Mauritania before it expires mid-November.

Heat & Livelihoods: A rare “donkey’s-eye view” video from Mauritania shows 13-year-old Lagdaf hauling 400 litres of water for hours in extreme heat above 36°C, highlighting how climate stress, plastic waste and road dangers threaten working animals that keep communities moving. Clean Power for Water Access: Mauritania and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed a deal to help finance a modern drinking-water network for Kiffa and nearby towns, aiming to cut long water walks and improve stability. Solar Push: Mauritania and France signed a concessional loan to build 10 solar power stations with storage, targeting cleaner electricity and narrowing rural-urban gaps. Energy Transition & Gas Plans: President El Ghazouani said Mauritania is adopting an integrated energy strategy and joining the Gas Exporting Countries Forum as it prepares for LNG exports from the Great Ahmeim field. Water Security Funding: The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis relief, including support for host communities in eastern Mauritania, while broader water investment efforts across Africa were highlighted. Sahel Heat Warning: New research flags the Sahel—including parts of Mauritania—as among the hardest hit by extra heat from a strong El Niño through early 2027.

Clean Energy Finance: France and Mauritania signed a concessional loan to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to cut rural-urban electricity gaps and expand access to basic services. Water Security: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development agreed to help finance a modern drinking-water network for Kiffa and nearby towns, drawing from the Senegal River to reduce water stress and long journeys. Regional Climate Risk: A new 2026 WorldRiskIndex places Mauritania among the higher-risk countries for disasters linked to extreme weather and climate change, with the Sahel expected to face severe heat impacts. Heat Disaster Watch: Research on a strong El Niño projects major heat-related death increases, with the Sahel—covering parts of Mauritania—flagged as the hardest hit. Blue Economy: Mauritania took part in Morocco’s Blue Africa Summit, focusing on sustainable coastal action and a “blue economy” agenda. Energy Transition & Gas: Mauritania joined the Gas Exporting Countries Forum as an observer, positioning gas and “low-carbon energies” in its integrated energy strategy. EU Support for Displacement: The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis-affected communities, including funding for Eastern Mauritania. Food & Climate Resilience: Mauritania’s agriculture minister stressed climate-change mitigation and resilience as priorities for food sovereignty.

Clean Energy Finance: France and Mauritania signed a concessional loan in Nouakchott to fund 10 solar power stations with storage, worth €39.2m, aimed at cutting rural-urban gaps in electricity access. Energy Strategy & Gas: President El Ghazouani said Mauritania is preparing for LNG exports from the Great Ahmeim turtle field and is positioning itself for low-carbon energy cooperation, including with Qatar. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Mauritania’s agriculture minister said food sovereignty efforts must boost competitiveness, strengthen resilient food systems, and mitigate climate change impacts on production. Offshore Oil & Gas Tech: Mauritania is taking part in Houston’s OTC conference with a special pavilion to attract investment and showcase offshore exploration and exploitation capabilities. Blue Economy: Mauritania joined Morocco’s Blue Africa Summit to push sustainable coastal actions and a “blue economy” agenda for 2030. Weather & Disaster Risk: A Tropical Depression near Cabo Verde could bring gusty winds, heavy rain and flash flooding to parts of Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and southwest Mauritania. Regional Climate Heat Threat: A new model flags the Sahel—including parts of Mauritania—as among the hardest hit by extra heat from a strong El Niño through early 2027. Water Security: The African Water Facility reported major gains in water supply, sanitation and irrigation access across Africa, with new strategy planning underway. Human Rights & Civic Space: Mauritanian journalist “Warda” received a five-year prison sentence tied to social media expression, raising concerns for freedom of expression. Fishing Agreement Pressure: Spain urged the EU to intensify talks to renew the Mauritania fishing protocol before it expires mid-November, warning of impacts on Spanish fleets.

Clean Energy Finance: France and Mauritania signed a concessional loan in Nouakchott for €39.2m (about 1.817bn ouguiyas) to build 10 solar power stations with storage, aiming to narrow rural-urban gaps in electricity. Food Security & Climate Resilience: Mauritania’s agriculture minister said the country is pushing food sovereignty and climate-change adaptation, linking farm competitiveness to resilience and emissions impacts. Energy Strategy & Gas Exports: President El Ghazouani said Mauritania is preparing for LNG exports from the Great Ahmeim turtle field and is positioning gas and “low-carbon energies” under an integrated energy strategy. Regional Integration: In an ECOWAS summit address, El Ghazouani reaffirmed Mauritania’s push for deeper cooperation to tackle shared regional challenges. Water & Displacement Support: The EU announced nearly €710m for displaced people and crisis relief, including €140m for host communities in eastern Mauritania and Kenya. Extreme Heat Risk: A new model flags the Sahel—including parts of Mauritania—as among the hardest hit by El Niño-driven heat, with major health impacts expected into early 2027. Weather Watch: A tropical depression forming near Cabo Verde could bring gusty winds, heavy rain and flash flooding to western Senegal and southwest Mauritania.