The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the government of Mauritania have signed an agreement to enhance Mauritania’s livestock sector, which contributes approximately 11% to the nation’s GDP. The signing took place during the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, witnessed by AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. Under this agreement, the AfDB will invest UA18.3 million, covering about 85.48% of the total project cost of UA21.4 million.
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Mauritania boasts one of Africa’s largest livestock populations, including 2.3 million cattle, 14.6 million sheep, 9.4 million goats, and 1.5 million camels. In 2021, the country exported approximately 750,000 heads of cattle, primarily to Senegal and The Gambia, generating around $120 million. Despite this, the sector faces challenges such as inadequate feed and water resources, insufficient animal health services, and reliance on natural pastures threatened by desertification. These issues have led to a dependence on imported animal products, with Mauritania spending about $143 million on dairy products, poultry, and eggs in 2021.
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The agreement initiates the Awkar Programme, aiming to modernize the livestock sector by improving production, productivity, processing capabilities, and market access. The project will focus on enhancing fodder production, advancing genetic breeding techniques, strengthening animal health services, and establishing new processing and marketing infrastructure. Special emphasis will be placed on empowering women entrepreneurs in dairy processing, tanning, and leather goods, as well as supporting youth through vocational training and entrepreneurial initiatives. The programme is expected to impact 100,440 individuals, including transhumant and agro-pastoral breeders, meat and dairy sector stakeholders, wholesale butchers, and farmers.
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This collaboration builds upon the AfDB’s ongoing support for Mauritania’s livestock sector transformation since 2021, which has included strategic studies on meat and milk value chains and the development of an investment plan presented at the Dakar Summit in 2023.
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Sid’Ahmed Ould Bouh, Mauritania’s Minister of Economy and Finance, expressed appreciation for the partnership, stating that the project will enhance local community resilience and contribute directly to the country’s development objectives.
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This initiative aligns with the AfDB’s “Feed Africa” strategy, aiming to transform African agriculture into a competitive and inclusive sector that creates wealth, improves living conditions, and protects the environment.
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