Mauritania Secures €39m French Loan to Build Ten Solar Power Plants

Mauritania and France,on Tuesday,November 25,have formalized a preferential loan agreement worth €39.2 million to construct ten solar power plants equipped with storage systems,marking a strategic boost to the country’s clean energy ambitions.

Signed in Nouakchott by Mauritanian Economy Minister Abdallahi Souleymane Cheikh Sidiya and France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade Nicolas Forissier,the financing—equivalent to 1.8 billion new ouguiyas—aims to expand renewable energy access and narrow the gap between rural and urban communities. Mauritania’s government underscored that the initiative aligns with President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s commitment to universal access to essential services and the rollout of large-scale energy infrastructure under state-led investment programmes.

Officials from both countries highlighted the deepening of bilateral cooperation,which now spans education,decentralisation,health,infrastructure,and energy. Mauritania emphasised its vast solar and wind potential and noted that recent investments—driven by rising electricity demand—are supported by partners including the French Development Agency. These efforts have pushed national electricity coverage beyond 50%,advancing progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 7. France hailed the project as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two nations,with Forissier expressing pride in reinforcing ties during his first official visit to Africa. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both sides,including Mauritania’s Energy Minister and the French Ambassador.