MAURITANIA TRADE AND INVESTMENT INFORMATION PORTAL

INTRODUCTION

Mauritania is a diverse and strategically located country in Northwest Africa. This portal aims to provide you with essential information to navigate the Mauritanian trade and investment landscape.

COUNTRY PROFILE
GEOGRAPHY
Mauritania borders the Atlantic Ocean, Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali, and Senegal. The country has vast desert landscapes and a coastline along the Atlantic.

DEMOGRAPHY
Mauritania has a population of over 4 million people. The population is ethnically diverse, comprising Moors, both Arab-Berber and Black African, and other ethnic groups.

ECONOMY
Mauritania's economy is largely based on agriculture, mining (especially iron ore and gold), and fishing. It is one of the world's leading exporters of iron ore.

POLITICAL SYSTEM
Mauritania is an Islamic Republic with a semi-presidential system. The political landscape has seen stability in recent years, with regular elections and peaceful transitions of power.

Import and Export Information
Major Exports: Iron ore, gold, copper, fish and fish products, livestock, and oil.
Major Imports: Machinery and equipment, petroleum products, foodstuffs, and consumer goods.

Trade Agreements
Mauritania is a member of the African Union (AU), the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), and the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS ). It also has trade agreements with various international partners, including preferential trade terms under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with the United States.

Border Control Regulations
The Mauritanian Customs Administration is responsible for border control and customs regulations. Detailed information on import and export procedures, duty rates, and prohibited goods can be found on the Mauritanian Customs Administration.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy
Mauritania welcomes foreign direct investment and offers various incentives to attract investors. There is no general mandatory foreign investment screening process, but certain sectors may require specific licenses or approvals. More information can be found on the Mauritanian Investment Promotion Agency .
Protected Sectors for Locals
A few sectors have restrictions on foreign ownership
Mining: Foreign companies must enter into joint ventures with local partners, and the state often retains a stake in major mining projects.
Fisheries: Certain fishing activities are reserved for Mauritanian nationals to protect local livelihoods.
Telecommunications: Regulations require a minimum level of local ownership in telecommunications companies.

Attractive Sectors for Foreign Investors
The Mauritanian government prioritizes investment in several sectors, including:
Mining: Mauritania is rich in mineral resources, and the government is actively seeking investment in exploration and mining activities.
Energy: The country has significant potential in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, and is encouraging investments in energy infrastructure.
Agriculture and Fisheries: With vast arable land and a rich coastline, there are opportunities in agribusiness and fishing, both for local consumption and export.
Infrastructure: Investments in transportation, housing, and urban development are critical as Mauritania seeks to modernize its infrastructure.

KEY STEPS IN REGISTERING YOUR COMPANY IN MAURITANIA

Here's a breakdown of the key steps to register your company in Mauritania:

Choose Your Business Structure: Determine the legal form of your business, such as a limited liability company (SARL), joint-stock company (SA), or sole proprietorship.

Reserve Your Company Name: Ensure that your desired company name is available by checking with the Mauritanian Business Registry. This process involves submitting a name reservation application and paying a fee.

Prepare Company Documents: Draft the necessary company documents, including the articles of association and bylaws. These documents outline the company’s objectives, capital structure, and governance rules.

Register with the National Agency for the Promotion of Investments (ANPI): Submit the required documents to the ANPI. This includes the name reservation certificate, company bylaws, identification documents for directors and shareholders, and proof of registered office address. Pay the registration fees to initiate the process.

Obtain a Tax Identification Number: Register with the Mauritanian Tax Authority to obtain a tax identification number. This is necessary for tax purposes and financial transactions involving the company.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits: Depending on your business activities, additional licenses or permits may be required. Ensure you obtain these from the relevant regulatory bodies.

POST-REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR COMPANY

Congratulations on registering your company! Now that your business is officially established, it’s important to comply with regulatory requirements to ensure smooth operation and legal standing. Here are the key post-registration obligations you need to fulfill:

Annual Filings: Ensure compliance by filing annual reports and tax returns with the relevant authorities. This includes submitting financial statements and other required documents.

Record Keeping: Maintain accurate financial records and company documents as required by law. This includes keeping records of transactions, contracts, and official communications.

Permits and Licenses: Depending on your industry and location, additional permits or licenses may be necessary to operate legally. Ensure you obtain and renew these permits as required.

Compliance with Labor Laws: Adhere to Mauritanian labor laws, including employee contracts, wages, working hours, and health and safety regulations.

Stay Informed and Compliant
Contact us using the button below if you need help with any business-related matter.

Operating in Regulated Sectors in Mauritania

Several sectors in Mauritania have specific regulations. Here are a few examples:

Mining Sector: The Ministry of Mines and Industry regulates mining activities. Companies must comply with regulations and obtain necessary licenses for exploration and extraction.

Financial Sector: The Central Bank of Mauritania oversees the financial sector, including banks and financial institutions. Regulations ensure the stability and integrity of the financial system.

Telecommunications Sector: The Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Post (ARTP) governs the telecom sector. Companies must obtain licenses and adhere to regulations to provide telecommunications services.

Health Sector: The Ministry of Health regulates the health sector. Companies involved in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services must comply with specific regulations and obtain relevant approvals.

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
Understand and comply with the regulatory requirements applicable to your sector. This includes registration with regulatory bodies, obtaining necessary licenses, and adhering to industry-specific regulations and standards.

Quality and Standards Compliance
Adhere to quality standards, safety regulations, and industry best practices relevant to your sector. Implement robust quality management systems, safety protocols, and compliance procedures to meet regulatory standards and ensure the delivery of high-quality services.

Training and Certification
Invest in training and certification programs for your employees to enhance their skills, knowledge, and professionalism. Ensure that your workforce is adequately trained and certified to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Ethical Business Practices
Operate your business with integrity, honesty, and transparency. Avoid engaging in unethical practices such as bribery, corruption, or non-compliance with regulatory requirements. Uphold ethical standards and demonstrate a commitment to responsible business conduct at all times.

Risk Management and Compliance Monitoring
Implement robust risk management processes to identify, assess, and mitigate potential compliance risks. Regularly monitor and review your compliance status, conduct internal audits, and address any non-compliance issues promptly to avoid regulatory penalties or sanctions.

Engagement with Regulatory Authorities
Establish positive relationships with regulatory authorities and government agencies overseeing your sector. Engage in constructive dialogue, participate in industry forums, and stay informed about regulatory developments, policy changes, and compliance obligations affecting your business operations.

Professional Advice and Assistance
Seek professional advice from legal experts, industry consultants, or regulatory advisors specializing in your sector. They can provide valuable guidance, interpretation of regulations, and assistance with compliance requirements, helping you navigate the complexities of operating in regulated sectors effectively.

By adhering to regulatory requirements, maintaining high standards of quality and professionalism, and engaging in ethical business practices, you can successfully operate in regulated sectors in Mauritania while ensuring compliance with legal obligations and contributing to industry development and growth.