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 human trafficking and embezzlement being prevalent issues. Despite the government's commitment to combat corruption through new legislation and the establishment of oversight bodies, enforcement remains inconsistent, and the justice system is heavily influenced by political factors, limiting accountability for officials involved in corrupt practices.

Mauritania is positioning itself as an attractive investment destination, actively encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) across key sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture, and fishing. The government, under President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, emphasizes economic diversification, youth empowerment, and anti-corruption measures, while the economy has shown resilience with a GDP growth of 4.4% in 2024, despite a slowdown in the extractive sector. Recent reforms, including a revised Investment Code and a new Public-Private Partnership Law, aim to enhance investor protections, simplify administrative processes, and foster a more transparent business environment, ultimately paving the way for long-term growth in strategic sectors like energy and technology.