The Challenge

One of the world's poorest countries, with a 2012 Human Development Index which gives the country a rank of 155 out of 187 countries, Mauritania has pinned hopes for future prosperity on the exploitation of its offshore reserves of oil and natural gas. However, the country faces two major environmental constraints – desertification and recurring droughts – that have greatly affected its economic and social development. Despite progress in recent years, including the cancellation of multilateral debt in 2006, Mauritania remains saddled with a poverty rate in excess of 46 percent.

How We Are Helping?

UNCDF has been a long-term development partner of Mauritania. In the past years, it has helped Mauritania meet its development challenges by promoting decentralization for improved service delivery.

Today UNCDF, in partnership with UNDP, is supporting the elaboration and implementation of the national inclusive finance strategy.