Publication: Mauritania : Restarting the Reform Program
Date
2010-05
ISSN
Published
2010-05
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
Even though Mauritania's real Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) recorded an average growth rate of 4
percent between 2005 and 2009, the country's economic
growth remains unstable and vulnerable to external shocks.
At the same time, the distribution of profits through
benefit sharing continues to be very unequal. Since
Mauritania's independence in November 28, 1960, it has
experienced several periods of political and institutional
instability that have strongly hampered its economic and
social development. The impact of the recent economic and
financial crisis on global demand and particularly on the
price of iron and copper in addition to the reduction in oil
production highlight the urgent need to identify new income
generating sectors other than the traditional exploitation
of natural resources. After the presidential elections of
July 2009, the government of Mauritania launched a program
of reforms aimed at accelerating economic growth by
improving the institutional framework to reduce the
constraints on private sector development. To encourage the
diversification of its production base, Mauritania must
address a lack of capacity in the electricity sector.
Another significant challenge for the country is upgrading
transport infrastructure to improve national
competitiveness, including opening up agricultural
production areas. The mining sector can increase its
contribution to the national economy in a framework of
transparency and the good management of the environment
while promoting mining exploitation that generates added
value and jobs. Finally, although Mauritania is at the
embryonic stage of its petroleum experience, the sector
remains strategic.
Citation
“World Bank. 2010. Mauritania : Restarting the Reform Program. © Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/f93461c2-f5de-5624-a457-89ad53a21a34 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”