FATF Status

Mauritania is not on the FATF List of Countries that have been identified as having strategic AML deficiencies

Compliance with FATF Recommendations

The latest follow-up Mutual Evaluation Report relating to the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in Mauritania was undertaken in 2021. According to that Evaluation, Mauritania was deemed Compliant for 14 and Largely Compliant for 21 of the FATF 40 Recommendations. It was also deemed Highly Effective for 0 and Substantially Effective for 0 with regard to the 11 areas of Effectiveness of its AML/CFT Regime.

Mauritania's anti-corruption framework, primarily established by the 2016 Law on Anti-Corruption, includes specialized bodies for investigating and prosecuting corruption, yet enforcement remains weak, leading to significant corruption issues. Despite President Ghazouani's commitment to combat corruption since 2019, recent audits have revealed management lapses and irregularities in public fund management, resulting in the dismissal of several officials. The pervasive corruption, particularly in the extractive sectors, continues to hinder the country's investment climate, with entrenched patronage networks and ineffective legal systems exacerbating the situation.

Mauritania's economy is showing resilience amidst global challenges, with a GDP growth of 4.1% in 2023, slightly below the pre-pandemic levels but expected to rise to 5.6% in 2024 due to increased exports and private consumption. The government actively encourages foreign direct investment in key sectors such as mining, hydrocarbons, and agriculture, while also facing challenges in regulatory transparency and legal efficiency.

Mauritania is actively positioning itself as a stable and attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in sectors such as mining, hydrocarbons, agriculture, and renewable energy. The government has established a comprehensive investment code that guarantees investment security and equal treatment for both foreign and local investors, while also creating the Agency for the Promotion of Investment in Mauritania (APIM) to streamline the investment process. Despite facing challenges in regulatory transparency and legal efficiency, Mauritania's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering international partnerships reflects its ambition to improve the investment climate.