+222
Mauritania
We have a team of experienced professionals dedicated to supporting all your business requirements—ensuring smooth operations and full regulatory compliance. This strong foundation enables you to confidently establish and grow your business in Mauritania with efficiency and assurance.
WHY MAURITANIA?
Mauritania, strategically located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, acts as a bridge between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. It shares borders with Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali, and Senegal. Its capital, Nouakchott, is the largest city and the economic and administrative centre. Known for its vast mineral wealth, abundant fish stocks, and emerging gas discoveries, Mauritania presents a compelling frontier market with significant growth potential. Mauritania is actively implementing reforms to attract foreign direct investment and diversify its economy. Mauritania’s economy is heavily dependent on its mining (iron ore, gold, copper) and fisheries sectors. The discovery of significant offshore gas reserves is poised to transform its economic landscape. The government is focused on improving infrastructure, streamlining business processes, and promoting investment in key sectors. The currency of Mauritania is the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU). As of 2024, Mauritania’s population is estimated at approximately 5.2 million people. Arabic is the official language, with French widely used in business and government, making communication accessible for international investors. Hassaniya Arabic is the most commonly spoken vernacular.
By land area Mauritania is the 11th-largest country in Africa and the 28th-largest in the world; 90% of its territory is in The Sahara Desert. It has several important airports, including Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (the main hub) and Nouadhibou International Airport, facilitating air travel and cargo. Its long Atlantic coastline is home to crucial commercial seaports: the Autonomous Port of Nouakchott (Port de l’Amitié) and the Autonomous Port of Nouadhibou, which includes a mineral ore port and a fishing port. These ports are vital for the country’s extensive import and export activities, offering substantial opportunities in maritime logistics, trade, and transshipment. The legal framework for foreign direct investment is primarily guided by the new Investment Code (Law 2025-06), which aims to promote productive direct investment by leveraging natural resources, local content, and economic sustainability. Foreign investors are generally permitted 100% ownership of businesses.
ADVANTAGES
Abundant Natural Resources
Mauritania’s economy is heavily reliant on its vast natural resources, offering significant opportunities in key sectors:
- Extractive Industries: The country is rich in iron ore, gold, and copper deposits, and exploration is ongoing for phosphates and rare earths. The state-owned mining company, SNIM, is a major global iron ore producer.
- Energy Sector: Recent major offshore natural gas discoveries (like the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project with partners like BP and Kosmos Energy) are set to transform the economy. The country also possesses immense, largely untapped potential for renewable energy (solar and wind).
- Fisheries: With a long Atlantic coastline, Mauritania has some of the world’s richest fishing grounds, presenting significant opportunities for commercial fishing, seafood processing, and aquaculture.
Strategic Location & Market Access
Mauritania’s location serves as a commercial bridge between North and Sub-Saharan Africa, offering excellent regional and international market access.
- Trade Hub: Its Atlantic ports (Nouakchott and Nouadhibou) provide direct shipping access to Europe, West Africa, and the Americas.
- Trade Agreements: Mauritania benefits from preferential access to key markets through agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Cotonou Agreement (duty-free access to the EU market), and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) allowing duty-free access to the U.S. market for many goods.
Favourable Investment Climate & Government Support
The government has implemented several reforms to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
- Investment Security: A revised Investment Code (updated in 2025) offers legal guarantees, non-discrimination, and the right to repatriate capital and profits without restrictions.
- Investment Promotion Agency (APIM): The Investment Promotion Agency of Mauritania acts as a “one-stop shop” to streamline administrative procedures, business registration (often within 48 hours), and permit acquisition.
- Fiscal Incentives: Various incentives are available, including tax holidays, customs duty exemptions on equipment imports, and special benefits within the Nouadhibou Free Trade Zone and other Special Economic Zones.
- Ownership & Control: Foreign investors are generally permitted 100% ownership of businesses in most sectors.
Other Potential Advantages
- Growing Sectors: Beyond primary industries, opportunities are emerging in telecommunications, banking, tourism, logistics, and infrastructure development, supported by ongoing government efforts to improve connectivity and public services.
- Young Workforce: The country has a young and growing urban population, providing an abundant, and relatively inexpensive, labour pool.
TAX REGIME
Corporate Income Tax (CIT):
The standard rate is 25% of net taxable profit. A minimum tax of 2% of turnover applies if it exceeds the calculated profit tax, with a minimum payment of 100,000 Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU).
Taxable Income (Territoriality):
Resident companies are taxed on worldwide income, but foreign-source income may be exempt if taxed elsewhere. Non-resident companies are taxed only on Mauritanian-source income.
Small Business Taxes:
Businesses with annual turnover below 30 million MRU may fall under a Flat Rate Tax System (3% of turnover). For individuals, a separate system exists with thresholds of 3 million to 5 million MRU for intermediate/normal regimes.
VAT:
The standard VAT rate is 16%, with 18% for telephony and 20% for petroleum products. Export of goods and services is zero-rated.
Withholding Taxes:
- Dividends: Generally subject to withholding tax.
- Branch Remittances: 10% on after-tax income.
- Services: Non-residents without a permanent establishment may be subject to a 15% withholding tax on contract value.
Losses:
Tax losses can be carried forward for five years.
Other Taxes:
- Payroll Tax: Social security contributions are 15% of the employee’s monthly salary, capped at 7,000 MRU.
- Property Tax: Generally 8% of rental value.
- Customs Duties: Rates range from 0% to 22%.
Incentives:
Specific tax exemptions exist for qualified “Free-Export Companies” (minimum investment of 50 million MRU, 50 new jobs, 80% export).
MAURITANIA COMPANIES
Limited Liability Company (Société à Responsabilité Limitée – SARL):
- Features: Most popular structure for foreign investors.
- Ownership: 1 to 50 partners (individuals or legal entities).
- Liability: Limited to the amount of contributions.
- Capital: Freely determined by partners.
Public Limited Company (Société Anonyme – SA):
- Features: Suitable for large-scale operations and public offerings.
- Ownership: Minimum 1 to 5 partners.
- Liability: Limited to contributions.
- Capital: Minimum requirement is around US$17,000.
Branch Office (Succursale):
- Features: Foreign companies can operate directly, but are subject to local taxation.
Sole Proprietorship (Entreprise Individuelle):
- Features: Used by local traders; involves unlimited personal liability.
Partnerships (SNC/SCS):
- General Partnership (SNC): Partners have unlimited, joint, and several liability.
- Limited Partnership (SCS): Includes general partners (unlimited liability) and silent/limited partners.
RELATED BLOGS
Contact Us
Get in touch with the right people to get the right help in setting up your business Mauritania.
enquiries@chandrawatpartners.com.