AGP Executive Report

Energy Deal for Mauritania: ACWA signed PPP and PPA agreements for the 230MW N’Diago gas-fired CCGT plant, set to be Mauritania’s first large-scale gas IPP and to feed electricity into the national grid using domestic gas. Digital Education Push: MBRGI and The Digital School launched a three-year plan to support over 500,000 learners across Mauritania, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia and Angola, including digital learning spaces, teacher training and job-readiness programs. Digital Sovereignty: Mauritania launched its first national cloud platform to host government data and services locally, aiming to boost cybersecurity and keep public services running securely. Regional Trade Tech: Central banks and payment providers across Africa agreed interoperable payment systems are key to faster cross-border trade, with discussions including standards and the PAPSS approach, featuring Mauritania among participants. World Cup Round of 32 (Global): Coverage focused on how to watch and key matchups, including Spain vs Austria, with referee Glenn Nyberg in the spotlight.

Energy Deal: ACWA has signed a PPP and Power Purchase Agreement for the 230MW N’Diago combined-cycle gas plant in Mauritania, set to be the country’s first large-scale gas-fired independent power project using Mauritania’s GTA gas and feeding electricity into the national grid. Digital Sovereignty: Mauritania launched its first national cloud platform to host government data and digital services locally, aiming to boost cybersecurity, protect sensitive information, and keep public services running with secure domestic infrastructure. Education Push: MBRGI, via The Digital School, is rolling out a three-year digital learning initiative for over 500,000 people across Mauritania, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia and Angola, including school support, digital learning spaces, teacher training, and job-readiness programs. Regional Finance: Central banks and payment providers from several African countries, including Mauritania, backed interoperable payment systems to cut cross-border transaction costs and speed up trade under AfCFTA goals. Security Watch: Mali has temporarily barred Moroccan trucks from entering amid volatile security risks, with escorts still unable to fully remove the threat to convoys.

Energy Deal: ACWA has signed PPP and power purchase agreements for Mauritania’s first large-scale gas-fired IPP, the 230MW N’diago Combined Cycle plant, using Mauritania’s GTA gas and set to strengthen grid reliability and energy security. Digital Development: MBRGI, via The Digital School, is rolling out a digital learning push for over 500,000 people across Mauritania and five other African countries, including school support, digital learning spaces, teacher training, and job-ready skills. Digital Sovereignty: Mauritania launched its first national cloud platform to host government data and services locally, aiming to boost cybersecurity, protect sensitive information, and keep public services running securely. Finance & Trade: Central banks and infrastructure providers met to back interoperable payment systems to cut cross-border transaction costs and speed up intra-African trade, with Mauritania among participants. Diplomacy: Russia and Mauritania agreed to step up energy cooperation, including oil and gas, power projects, renewables, and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.

Energy & Industry: ACWA has signed a PPP and Power Purchase Agreement for the 230 MW N’Diago gas-fired power plant in Mauritania, described as the country’s first large-scale gas IPP, using Mauritania’s GTA offshore gas to strengthen grid reliability and cut fuel intensity. Digital Development: Dubai’s Digital School, via MBRGI, is rolling out a digital learning initiative for more than 500,000 people across Mauritania, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia and Angola, including school support, teacher capacity building and job-market preparation. Digital Sovereignty: Mauritania launched its first national cloud platform to host government data and digital services locally, aiming to boost cybersecurity, protect sensitive information and keep public services running. Diplomacy (Sahara): The U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz met the Sahrawi Movement for Peace, urging the world to hear their calls amid UN-backed efforts tied to Resolution 2797 and Morocco’s autonomy plan. Regional Finance: Central banks and infrastructure providers agreed interoperable payment systems are key for cross-border trade, with discussions involving Mauritania and highlighting standards and PAPSS for local-currency settlement. Sports (Mauritania link): Mauritanian winger Djeidi Gassama recalled nutmegging Neymar in PSG training and said Neymar later warned him he’d “tackle you hard” next time.

Energy Deal: Saudi firm ACWA has signed a PPP and power purchase agreement for the 230 MW N’Diago combined-cycle gas plant in Mauritania, set to become the country’s first large-scale gas-fired independent power project using domestic gas from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim field. Digital Education: MBRGI and The Digital School launched a digital learning initiative targeting more than 500,000 people across six African countries including Mauritania, with support for schools, teacher training, and youth job readiness. Digital Sovereignty: Mauritania launched its first national cloud platform to host government data and services locally, aiming to boost cybersecurity, protect sensitive information, and keep public services running securely. Regional Finance: Central banks and infrastructure providers meeting in Romania backed interoperable payment systems to cut cross-border transaction costs, with Mauritania among the participants. Water Sector: The Global Water Organization convened founding member delegations including Mauritania in Jeddah to review progress and prepare for its first General Assembly.

Energy Deal: Saudi ACWA signed a PPP and power purchase agreement to build Mauritania’s first large-scale gas-fired IPP, the 230MW N’Diago CCGT plant, using Mauritania’s share of gas from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim field; GE Vernova will supply turbines and the Saudi Fund for Development is backing financing. Digital Sovereignty: Mauritania launched its first national cloud platform to host government data and services locally, aiming to boost cybersecurity, protect sensitive information, and keep public services running reliably. Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania’s foreign minister held talks with Saudi counterparts by phone on regional developments, while Russia and Mauritania also agreed to step up cooperation on energy projects. Sahara Track: The U.S. UN envoy met a Sahrawi Movement for Peace delegation, pushing for a durable solution under UN Security Council Resolution 2797 that supports Morocco’s autonomy plan. Finance & Trade Systems: Central banks and infrastructure providers, including Mauritania, backed interoperable payment systems to cut cross-border costs and speed up intra-African trade. Water Governance: Mauritania took part in Global Water Organization meetings in Jeddah to review progress and prepare for the group’s first General Assembly.

Digital Sovereignty: Mauritania launched its first national cloud platform to host government data and digital services locally, aiming to boost cybersecurity, protect sensitive national information, and keep public services running reliably. Water Governance: The Global Water Organization convened heads of delegation from eight founding member states in Jeddah, with Mauritania among them, to review progress since its 2025 charter and align priorities ahead of its first General Assembly. Regional Finance: Central banks and infrastructure providers across Africa agreed interoperable payment systems are key to expanding cross-border trade and inclusion, with discussions including Mauritania and the role of local-currency settlement tools. Energy Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania agreed to step up work on energy projects, including oil and gas, power plant engineering, renewables like wind, and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Diplomacy: Mauritania’s foreign minister held a phone call with Saudi Arabia’s counterpart to review regional developments. Border & Security: A U.S. Mission delegation visited Morocco’s El Guerguerat crossing to discuss border security, counter-narcotics, and human trafficking—an area tied to Mauritania-Morocco trade and Western Sahara tensions.

Digital Sovereignty: Mauritania launched its first national cloud platform to host government data and digital services locally, aiming to boost cybersecurity, protect sensitive information, and keep public services running securely. Regional Diplomacy: Mauritania’s foreign minister held talks with Libya’s acting foreign minister on forming a technical committee to review and activate Libya–Mauritania bilateral agreements, with plans to coordinate the next joint committee session. Energy Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania agreed to step up work on energy projects, including oil and gas, power plant engineering, renewables like wind, and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Water Governance: The Global Water Organization (GWO) reviewed its governance framework and four-year strategy in Jeddah, with Mauritania among founding member states. Climate Action: Mauritania’s Nouakchott Region joined a new CHAMP Subnational Advisory Council in London, giving cities and regions a formal voice in climate decision-making. Sports Note: CAF named a Mauritania official as match commissioner for a Ghana–Senegal U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.

Climate & Energy: Paris deputy mayor Audrey Pulvar blamed the United States for France’s deadly heat wave, arguing heavy A/C use tied to high emissions worsens global warming. Private Sector Finance: The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) signed 13 agreements at IsDB’s 2026 annual meetings to boost SME financing and private growth, including a Shariah-compliant managed line of financing in local currency. Mauritania–Libya Cooperation: Libya’s acting foreign minister met Mauritania’s ambassador to set up a technical committee to review and activate bilateral agreements, with plans to coordinate the next joint committee session. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Saudi, Egyptian and Qatari foreign ministers condemned threats to maritime navigation; Mauritania’s FM also spoke by phone with Saudi counterparts on regional developments. Infrastructure & Power: AfDB signed project implementation contracts tied to the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali interconnection under the Desert to Power initiative, supporting grid reliability and energy trade. Climate Governance: CHAMP launched a Subnational Advisory Council in London, bringing Mauritania’s Nouakchott Region into formal climate decision-making. Human Rights Watch on Mali: HRW reported grave abuses by militants and Malian forces, including killings of civilians and drone strikes. Media & Rights: RSF welcomed a Mauritania bill on access to and use of public information, urging stronger safeguards. Sports (CAF): CAF named an all-DR Congo officiating team for Senegal vs Ghana U17 Women’s qualifier, with Mauritania’s Oumou Souleymane Kane as match commissioner.

Diplomacy & Francophonie: Rwanda is again courting Cameroon’s backing for Louise Mushikiwabo’s re-election as Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, with a sealed letter delivered to Yaoundé. Regional security: Saudi, Egyptian and Qatari foreign ministers condemned threats to maritime navigation, while Mauritania’s FM Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug also spoke with Saudi counterparts on regional developments. Mali rights crisis: Human Rights Watch reports “grave abuses” in Mali by militants, the Malian army and allies, including killings of civilians and drone strikes. Mauritania in focus: A U.S. Africa Command mission in Atar, Mauritania, highlighted partner training and interoperability; separately, Mauritania’s FM held talks with Saudi officials. Energy & development: World Bank-backed electrification under Mission 300 has connected over 50 million people, with Tanzania, Nigeria and Ethiopia among the biggest beneficiaries. Climate governance: CHAMP launched a Subnational Advisory Council, bringing Mauritania’s Nouakchott Region into formal climate decision-making. Water & food risks: New mapping shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, while El Niño-linked drought risks are flagged for the Sahel.

Mauritania Diplomacy: Saudi and Mauritanian foreign ministers held a phone call to review regional developments, with both sides discussing issues of mutual interest. Regional Security: Saudi, Egypt and Qatar also condemned recent Iranian attacks targeting Bahrain and reiterated the need to de-escalate and return to negotiations, while stressing maritime route security. Sahara/Border Cooperation: The U.S. Mission to Morocco made its first publicly announced visit to El Guerguerat to discuss border security, counter-narcotics and human trafficking—an overland trade corridor linking Morocco and Mauritania. Energy & Power Links: The AfDB highlighted progress on the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali interconnection, with new project implementation contracts signed under the Desert to Power and Mission 300 electrification push. Climate Governance: Mauritania’s Nouakchott Region president joined a new CHAMP Subnational Advisory Council, giving cities and regions a formal voice in climate diplomacy. Access to Information: RSF welcomed Mauritania’s bill on access to and use of public information, urging stronger safeguards and procedural protections.

Water Access Gap: A new global map shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for over 2 billion people, with access near-universal in wealthy regions but below 20% in several low-income countries. EU Asylum Push: Ireland says it wants to opt into EU rules that could send rejected asylum seekers to “return hubs” outside the bloc, with destinations reportedly including Mauritania. Mauritania Diplomacy: Saudi and Mauritanian foreign ministers held a call on regional developments, while Oman’s FM also discussed regional stability with Mauritania. Regional Security & Trade: The U.S. visited Morocco’s El Guerguerat crossing for talks on border security, counter-trafficking and human smuggling—an important corridor linking Morocco and Mauritania. Justice Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania signed a justice-sector memorandum to expand cooperation against cross-border crime. Development Finance: Mauritania and the OPEC Fund agreed two financing deals totaling $195 million, including a 2026–2029 partnership framework. Media Rights: RSF backs Mauritania’s public information access bill, urging stronger safeguards and faster, fairer appeals.

UN Security Council & Western Sahara: A new UN Security Council Resolution (2797) shifts wording on Morocco’s autonomy plan, framing it as “the most realistic solution,” while Algeria is newly treated as a stakeholder in the process. Diplomacy & regional security: Saudi, Egypt and Qatar condemned Iranian attacks and maritime threats, while Saudi FM also spoke with Mauritania’s foreign minister about mutual issues. U.S.-Morocco border push: A U.S. delegation made its first publicly announced visit to Morocco’s El Guerguerat crossing to discuss border security, counter-narcotics and human trafficking—an area tied to Western Sahara tensions. Mauritania in climate governance: CHAMP launched a Subnational Advisory Council in London, giving cities and regions a formal voice; Nouakchott Region is represented. Energy investment: AfDB signed financing steps for the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali power interconnection under the Desert to Power push. Justice cooperation: Russia and Mauritania signed a justice-sector MoU to expand cooperation against transnational crime. Media rights: RSF backs Mauritania’s bill on access to public information, urging stronger safeguards for journalists.

Regional Diplomacy: Saudi, Egypt and Qatar condemned Iranian attacks on Bahrain and warned against threats to maritime navigation, urging de-escalation and a return to negotiations; Saudi FM Prince Faisal also spoke with Mauritania’s foreign minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug. Border Security & Trade: A U.S. delegation made its first publicly announced visit to Morocco’s El Guerguerat crossing to discuss border security, counter-narcotics and human trafficking—an overland corridor linking Morocco, Mauritania and West Africa. Mauritania in Development Finance: The OPEC Fund and Mauritania signed two agreements totaling $195 million, including up to $180 million for 2026–2029 to back climate-resilient infrastructure and food security. Justice Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania signed a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation on countering transnational crime, including terrorism, cybercrime and illegal trafficking. Energy Connectivity: AfDB signed project implementation contracts for the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali power interconnection under the Desert to Power initiative. Media Rights: RSF welcomed Mauritania’s bill on access to and use of public information, urging stronger safeguards during the parliamentary review.

Energy & Regional Connectivity: The AfDB says three project implementation contracts with SOGEM mark a major step for the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali power interconnection, boosting electricity reliability and trade under the Desert to Power push. Diplomacy & Regional Security: Oman’s FM Sayyid Badr held calls with Mauritania, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, focusing on containing tensions and safeguarding maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Justice Cooperation: Russia and Mauritania signed a memorandum of understanding on justice sector cooperation, targeting cross-border threats like terrorism, cybercrime and trafficking. Development Finance: Mauritania and the OPEC Fund agreed two financing deals totaling $195 million, including a 2026–2029 country partnership framework for climate-resilient infrastructure and food security. Information Rights: RSF welcomed Mauritania’s bill on access to and use of public information, urging stronger safeguards and procedural protections. Migration & Rights: A U.S. lawsuit challenges ICE’s “re-arresting” of immigrants after a policy shift, with a case involving a Mauritania-born survivor released by a judge. Culture & Tourism: Mauritania’s Noura Mint Seymali is highlighted as a key international act in the Earagail Arts Festival’s July music programme.

Mauritania–Russia Justice Ties: Russia and Mauritania signed a memorandum of understanding to boost cooperation between prosecutors and law-enforcement on cross-border threats like terrorism, cybercrime, drug and weapons trafficking, and money laundering. Mauritania–OPEC Financing: Mauritania signed two OPEC Fund agreements worth $195 million, including a 2026–2029 country partnership framework aimed at climate-resilient infrastructure, food security, and value-adding. Mauritania–Turkey Cooperation: Turkish President Erdoğan and Mauritanian President El Ghazouani discussed ways to add momentum to bilateral ties, focusing on trade, agriculture, fisheries, security, and defense industry. EU Deportation Push: EU states are scouting countries—including Mauritania—for “return hubs” tied to the new Return Regulation, raising fresh rights concerns over detention and deportation practices. Right to Information for Journalists: RSF welcomed Mauritania’s bill on access to and use of public information, urging stronger safeguards during the parliamentary review. Regional Security Training: U.S. Africa Command showcased trilateral air training with Mauritania and Czech forces at Atar, highlighting interoperability and partner capacity-building. UN Peace Decade: The UN General Assembly proclaimed 2027–2036 as the International Decade of Strengthening Peace for Future Generations, with Mauritania among the sponsors.