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 primary anti-corruption framework is established by the 2016 Law on Anti-Corruption, which aligns with the UN Convention Against Corruption and sets up specialized bodies for investigating and prosecuting corruption. Despite these measures, enforcement remains weak, with significant issues in public fund management and a low ranking on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. Recent audits have revealed serious governance lapses, prompting investigations into former officials, including a former president, highlighting ongoing challenges in combating corruption effectively.

Mauritania's economy is showing resilience amidst global challenges, with a GDP growth of 4.1 percent in 2023, slightly down from 6.4 percent in 2022, and is projected to rise to 5.6 percent in 2024. The government actively encourages foreign direct investment in key sectors such as mining, hydrocarbons, and renewable energy, 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 implemented a comprehensive investment code that guarantees security and equal treatment for investors, while also establishing the Agency for the Promotion of Investment in Mauritania (APIM) to streamline the investment process. Despite facing challenges related to regulatory transparency and legal efficiency, Mauritania's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and modernizing laws indicates a positive trajectory for its investment climate.