Mauritania's economy continues to expand despite the global downturn. This is according to the report “Economic Update 2025”, presented by the World Bank Group.
The African country's growth moderated to 5.2 1GDP3Q in 2024, a slight deceleration from the previous year. Even so, it continues to comfortably outperform the regional average, driven by dynamism in key sectors and prudent macroeconomic management.
The report notes that inflation has been contained by tight monetary policy and falling international food and energy prices. This combination has allowed domestic prices to stabilise, an important achievement in an uncertain global environment.
On the fiscal front, there has been clear progress. The deficit has been reduced markedly and public debt remains under control, partly thanks to increased revenues and expenditure control. The World Bank welcomes this consolidation path as a sign of financial responsibility.
One focus of the paper is the transformation of the social protection system. The country is moving towards a model based on direct transfers to the most vulnerable households, rather than generalised subsidies. In 2022, social spending reached 1.51 % of GDP.
Looking ahead, average growth is projected at 4.9 %, although the agency warns of risks such as the volatility of commodity prices and the impacts of climate change. It therefore recommends that Mauritania diversify its economy and strengthen non-extractive sectors.
Source: worldbank.org
