Algeria and Mauritania Deepen Economic Ties with 27 New Agreements, Focus on Trade and Desalination
Image: Algerie Eco
Takeaway
The deepening economic ties between Algeria and Mauritania, highlighted by the signing of 27 agreements, present a strategic opportunity for international investors looking to access the West African market. Investors should monitor the progress of the preferential trade agreement and the development of infrastructure projects like the Tindouf-Zouerate road, as these will significantly impact trade flows and investment opportunities. The focus on pharmaceuticals and healthcare also signals potential for companies in these sectors.
Algeria and Mauritania solidified their growing economic partnership on May 7, 2026, with the signing of 27 agreements across various sectors during the 8th edition of the Algerian Products and Services Fair in Nouakchott. The agreements, comprising 23 commercial deals and 4 healthcare cooperation MOUs, were signed in the presence of Algeria’s Ambassador to Mauritania, Amine Sid, and representatives from the Mauritanian Employers' Federation, the Investment Promotion Agency, and the Council for Algerian Economic Renewal (CREA). Sectors covered include health services, infrastructure, energy, mining, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Elsewedy Electric secured a $15 million commercial contract as part of the agreements.
Algeria is actively working to strengthen its economic presence in Africa, with Mauritania serving as a key partner. Trade between the two countries has seen accelerated growth, reaching approximately $500 million. A preferential trade agreement is under consultation, aiming to exempt goods from both countries from customs duties. This agreement seeks to liberalize trade exchanges and foster development in border regions. The 20th session of the Algerian-Mauritanian High Joint Commission for Cooperation took place on April 7, 2026, co-chaired by Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb and Mauritanian Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay, further cementing bilateral ties.
الجزائرية لتحلية المياه, a subsidiary of Sonatrach, is sharing its expertise in desalination with Mauritania to enhance water security. The Director-General of the Algerian Desalination Company, Lahcen Bada, along with Ambassador Amine Sid, met with Mauritanian Minister of Energy and Oil, Mohamed Ould Mohamed Maael-Ainine Ould Khaled, to discuss Algeria's experience in seawater desalination. Algeria has become a leader in desalination in Africa, operating 17 large-scale seawater desalination plants with a combined production capacity of approximately 3.8 million cubic meters per day, supplying around 42% of the national potable water. The cost of producing one cubic meter of desalinated water in Algeria is less than 0.5 euros.
The agreements are expected to benefit Algerian companies seeking to expand into the Mauritanian market and Mauritanian businesses looking to source products from Algeria. Specifically, the SONAREM Group, through its subsidiary ENOF, signed two MOUs to export minerals like Dolomite, Bentonite, and Calcium Carbonate to Mauritania. Motorcycle manufacturer SYM also finalized key trade partnerships. The Al-Azhar Clinic signed four cooperation agreements with Mauritanian health institutions, signaling confidence in Algerian medical expertise. The completion of the Tindouf-Zouerate road project is expected to further enhance trade fluidity.
The 10th session of the Algerian-Mauritanian Business Council is planned, along with bilateral meetings between businessmen from both sides, to activate trade agreements. The Algerian Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig, and Mauritanian Minister of Trade and Tourism, Zeinebou bint Ahmednah, are working to finalize the preferential agreement and simplify customs procedures. The next steps involve continuing the work of experts from both countries to finalize the preferential agreement to support trade exchanges and expand product access to both markets.