A new financing framework between Mauritania and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation signals expanded support for trade-driven economic development in West Africa.
Introduction
Mauritania and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) have signed a five-year Mauritania trade finance agreement valued at US$1 billion. The deal was formalised in Jeddah during an official visit by Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development on 10 March 2026.
The agreement is designed to support key economic sectors in Mauritania and strengthen trade capacity across West Africa. Financing and technical assistance will target energy imports, banking support, and private sector development.
ITFC–Mauritania Partnership Expands Trade Financing
The Mauritania trade finance agreement establishes a structured framework to mobilise financing and technical assistance between 2026 and 2030. The initiative aims to strengthen Mauritania’s economic capacity while improving trade infrastructure across the West African region.
Officials from Mauritania and the Islamic Development Bank Group attended the signing ceremony at ITFC headquarters in Jeddah. The agreement reflects a continued partnership between Mauritania and the trade finance arm of the Islamic Development Bank.
The framework is expected to support sectors that are essential to economic stability, including energy supply chains and financial sector liquidity. Additionally, the programme seeks to expand access to trade financing tools for businesses operating within Mauritania’s growing commercial economy.
- US$1 billion five-year financing framework
- Focus on energy imports and banking sector support
- Trade finance access for local companies and SMEs
- Technical assistance programmes across strategic sectors
Mauritania Trade Finance Agreement Overview
| Agreement value | US$1 billion |
| Duration | 2026–2030 |
| Key sectors | Energy, banking, SME development |
| Institutions involved | ITFC and Government of Mauritania |
Energy, Banking and SME Development Priorities
Under the Mauritania trade finance agreement, ITFC will facilitate financing for the import of energy commodities. This support is intended to strengthen supply stability while helping Mauritania manage the cost and availability of essential energy resources.
In addition, the partnership includes trade finance facilities and confirmation lines for letters of credit. These tools allow local banks to support commercial importers and exporters while improving financial liquidity within Mauritania’s banking sector.
The framework also emphasises private sector growth. Small and medium-sized enterprises will receive access to financing mechanisms designed to expand commercial activity and strengthen domestic value chains across the Mauritanian economy.
- Energy commodity import financing
- Letters of credit confirmation lines for banks
- SME financing support programmes
- Technical assistance for agricultural productivity
Trade Development and Capacity Building Initiatives
Alongside financing programmes, the Mauritania trade finance agreement includes technical support designed to improve trade facilitation. Capacity-building initiatives will focus on strengthening agricultural productivity and enhancing trade procedures in strategic sectors.
These programmes are intended to help Mauritania increase its participation in regional trade networks across West Africa. Improved logistics, agricultural productivity, and trade administration can contribute to stronger cross-border commerce and economic diversification.
The agreement also reinforces Mauritania’s engagement with Islamic Development Bank institutions, which have supported trade development projects across OIC member states for more than a decade.
Long-Standing Partnership Between Mauritania and ITFC
Mauritania has maintained an ongoing partnership with ITFC since the organisation began operations in 2008. Over that period, cumulative financing approvals for Mauritania have exceeded US$1.2 billion.
These programmes have supported key economic sectors including energy, agriculture, and trade infrastructure. As a result, the Mauritania trade finance agreement builds on an established relationship between the country and the Islamic Development Bank Group.
Dr Abdallah O. Souleymane O. Cheikh-Sidia, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development of Mauritania, said the new agreement will help mobilise financing aligned with national development priorities.
“This agreement will help mobilise critical financial resources to support national development priorities and foster sustainable economic growth.”
Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, highlighted the role of trade financing in supporting member economies.
“The agreement reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting its member countries through trade-driven development.”
Moving Forward
The Mauritania trade finance agreement marks a new phase of economic cooperation between Mauritania and the Islamic Development Bank Group.
Over the next five years, the framework aims to strengthen financing capacity, support energy imports, and improve access to trade tools for businesses.
Across West Africa, expanding trade finance and strengthening economic infrastructure remain central priorities for governments seeking sustainable development.
Agreements such as this illustrate how regional partnerships and development finance institutions continue to support economic diversification and trade integration across the continent.
Sources: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), Islamic Development Bank Group, and the Government of Mauritania.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.