Mauritania and Morocco are taking a decisive new step in reinforcing their economic and diplomatic relations. The first meeting of the joint technical committee tasked with revising the 1986 trade agreement was held this Friday in Nouakchott, marking the beginning of a long-anticipated modernisation process.
Modernising an Agreement Nearly Forty Years Old
Chaired by Zeinebou Mint Ahmednah, Mauritanian Minister of Trade and Tourism, and Omar Ihjira, Moroccan Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, the meeting aims to adapt the legal framework to today’s economic realities. The stated objective: to raise bilateral trade to 350 million US dollars by 2024, equivalent to around 200 billion CFA francs.
This revision must help rebalance trade flows and facilitate the entry of our goods into the Moroccan market
Zeinebou Mint Ahmednah – Mauritanian Minister of Trade and Tourism
Removing Trade Barriers and Boosting Investment
Discussions highlighted a shared determination to remove obstacles hindering commercial flows, harmonise customs standards, and modernise cross-border logistics infrastructure.
The new trade framework under negotiation is also expected to include specific measures on investment protection, intellectual property, and access to high-value-added sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, agri-food industries, and innovative technologies.
A Partnership Driven by a Shared Political Vision
This economic rapprochement is strongly supported at the highest level by President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and King Mohammed VI, reflecting notable diplomatic alignment.
For several years, Morocco has stood out as a key economic partner for Mauritania, notably through its involvement in the modernisation of Nouadhibou Port and sectoral agreements in fishing and customs infrastructure.
Towards Stronger Regional Integration
Beyond their bilateral cooperation, Rabat and Nouakchott share a common vision of West African economic integration as a driver of regional stability.
Mauritania is a strategic partner for Morocco, a gateway to West Africa, and a lever for inclusive economic integration
Omar Ihjira – Moroccan Secretary of State for Foreign Trade
This revision project also aligns with the broader dynamic driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), in which both countries aspire to play a leading role.
Building a Partnership for the Future
The modernisation of the 1986 trade agreement is more than a mere technical update. It embodies the ambition of reinforced, resilient cooperation with a forward-looking perspective. Nouakchott and Rabat are betting on a pragmatic, multi-sectoral approach to catalyse their development and contribute to Africa’s economic stability.
