Mauritania Country Summary

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 faces significant challenges related to crime and corruption, with a legal framework in place that includes the 2016 Law on Anti-Corruption and specialized bodies for investigating and prosecuting corruption offenses. Despite these efforts, enforcement remains inconsistent, and issues such as human trafficking, counterfeit goods, and financial crimes persist, exacerbated by a weak justice system and limited civil society engagement.

Mauritania is positioning itself as a stable and attractive investment destination amid global and regional turmoil, actively encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) in sectors such as mining, hydrocarbons, agriculture, and renewable energy. The country's GDP growth for 2023 is projected at 4.1%, with expectations of further growth to 5.6% in 2024, driven by increased exports and private consumption, although these figures remain below pre-pandemic levels. Despite challenges in regulatory transparency and legal efficiency, Mauritania's government is committed to improving the investment climate through initiatives like the Agency for the Promotion of Investment in Mauritania (APIM) and partnerships with international organizations, indicating a clear direction towards sustainable economic development.