Mauritania and Morocco have agreed to launch the first-ever stock exchange in Nouakchott, marking a big leap toward modernising Mauritania’s financial sector and boosting cooperation between the two North African neighbours.
The agreement was signed in Nouakchott between the Central Bank of Mauritania and the Casablanca Stock Exchange. It follows recent talks between Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazouani, showing stronger political and economic ties. The Moroccan Ambassador to Mauritania, Hamid Chabar, was present for the signing.
The Casablanca Stock Exchange, one of Africa’s oldest and most active, will offer full support to Mauritania. This includes help in designing the market’s structure, writing the rules, building digital platforms, and training local professionals to run and grow the exchange.
Mauritania’s economy, while rich in natural resources like gold, copper, iron ore, and gas, has long depended on mining and struggled to build other sectors. Officials believe a national stock exchange will help attract investment, grow local businesses, and keep more savings inside the country.
According to the Central Bank of Mauritania, this new financial tool is meant to make the country’s economy stronger and more open. They see it as a chance to create a fairer and more stable financial system.
The project is also part of a broader plan to bring Mauritania closer to international financial networks and to raise its profile in African and global markets. With Morocco’s help, Nouakchott could soon become a new financial hub in the region.