Morocco and Mauritania are engaged in a process of strengthening their economic partnership, marked by the resumption of trade dialogue and the revision of the historic 1986 trade agreement. This initiative aims to adapt the legal framework to current bilateral trade requirements and increase trade to 350 million USD, representing a 10% increase over the previous year.
Objectives of the Agreement Revision
Modernize a system initially focused on customs exemptions, which has become obsolete in the face of the changing regional economic context.
Remove persistent barriers to trade and facilitate the movement of goods and services, particularly through customs and logistics facilitation measures already underway.
Diversify trade flows into new high-value-added sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, the agri-food industry, renewable energy, and regional logistics.
Recent Actions and Multi-Sectoral Cooperation
Organization of the first meeting of the Mauritanian-Moroccan Joint Technical Committee in Nouakchott on April 25, 2025, under the chairmanship of the trade ministers of both countries. This demonstrates a strong political will to boost trade flows.
Signing of specific agreements in the fields of tourism, vocational training, and the exchange of expertise, with the aim of supporting investment and promoting sustainable development.
Involvement of Moroccan companies in the modernization of the Autonomous Port of Nouadhibou and structuring of fisheries cooperation.
Role of the Private Sector and perspectives
The discussions focused on mobilizing the private sector and creating joint projects in strategic sectors, taking advantage of the complementarity of the two economies and their geographical proximity. Meetings between Moroccan investors and Mauritanian employers helped identify the technical and regulatory constraints that need to be addressed to develop trade.
Regional Issues and African Integration
Beyond purely commercial aspects, the revision of the agreement is part of a shared vision of stability and regional integration. Morocco considers Mauritania a key partner for its foothold in the Sahel and West Africa. This pragmatic bilateral strategy could serve as a springboard for broader integration into continental frameworks such as the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area).
Conclusion
The revision of the Morocco-Mauritania trade agreement marks a decisive step towards building a resilient strategic partnership. This agreement is based on trade diversification, innovation and sustainable development, with the ambition of transforming economic potential into concrete projects that create jobs and growth.
