On the sidelines of the African Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency the President of the Republic and Chairperson of the African Union, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, supervised the signing of a financing agreement between Mauritania and the African Development Bank (AfDB) in the presence of the President of the AfDB Group, Mr. Akinwumi Adesina.
This financing, amounting to $24 million, is dedicated to the implementation of the “Aoukar” project for integrated development and the enhancement of livestock production value chains.
Signing of the Agreement and Signatories
The agreement was signed on behalf of Mauritania by His Excellency the Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Sidi Ahmed Ould Abouh, and on behalf of the AfDB by Mr. Mohamed El Azizi, Director General for North Africa.
Objectives and Components of the Project
The project aims to develop pastoral, social, and educational infrastructure and enhance natural resources to ensure food security in the country. It includes several key components:
✅ Establishment of a modern livestock infrastructure, including:
- A livestock production hub covering 20,000 hectares.
- Two collective farms, each spanning 5,000 hectares.
- Seven pastoral stations to support livestock farming.
- Two modern livestock markets to strengthen trade.
✅ Enhancing livestock productivity through:
- Development of value chains and promotion of entrepreneurship among women and youth.
- Improving the quality and productivity of natural pastures by rehabilitating 10,000 hectares of degraded grazing land.
- Protecting natural resources through planting fodder shrubs, stabilizing sand dunes, and preventing wildfires.
✅ Advancing innovation in the agro-pastoral sector:
- Establishing two pilot projects to introduce innovative technologies for climate-sensitive livestock and agricultural production.
- Supporting agro-industrial development, particularly in meat production, milk marketing, and dairy product processing.
- Expanding technical education and vocational training programs to equip young people and women with the skills needed for employment in the livestock value chains.
Significance of the Project
This project represents a significant step forward in developing Mauritania’s livestock sector, fostering productivity and sustainability, while empowering youth and women to play a central role in the national economy. It is a strategic initiative aimed at ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.
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