Mauritania and AfDB Overhaul Procurement to Unblock Development Funds

The 15–17 June sessions addressed the mechanics of project execution, focusing on contract administration, consultant selection, and price adjustment protocols. By refining these internal processes, the government and the Bank seek to increase disbursement rates—a perennial hurdle in the country's development pipeline. Clément Ahossi, a division manager at the Bank, noted that bridging the gap between institutional rules and local application is essential to reducing bidder disputes and streamlining oversight with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority.

This push for efficiency coincides with a sharp rise in financial commitments. In the last three years, the Bank’s investment in Mauritania has surged from $147 million to $659 million, targeting sectors from energy and agriculture to private sector growth. Mahfoud Ould Ahmedou of the Ministry of Economic Affairs emphasized that with this capital injection, the ability to manage complex tenders has become a primary driver of tangible economic outcomes. The training serves as a critical component of the 2025–2026 Portfolio Performance Improvement Plan, intended to translate these financial commitments into operational reality more effectively.