Mauritania and Russia deepen economic partnership with new investment pact

Mauritania and Russia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand cooperation in agriculture, energy, mining and fisheries. The agreement, concluded on 30 July via videoconference, was signed by Mauritanian Minister of Economy and Development Abdallahi Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidiya and Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov. It aims to promote reciprocal investments, increase trade, foster joint ventures and create a stable framework for business and financial institutions from both countries.

An analysis by the Centre Awdagust notes that the relationship has shifted from a limited, security‑focused engagement to a broader partnership covering energy, mining, legal and institutional cooperation. The study highlights the recent protocol and official visits as evidence of Mauritania’s effort to diversify its diplomatic options and Russia’s interest in West African resources, citing the under‑developed Bir Allah gas field as a potential test of the new ties.

Both parties view the pact as a step toward deeper economic integration and a means to diversify Mauritania’s economy while expanding Russian commercial presence in the Sahel region.