Mauritania Launches Landmark Program to Expand Quality Education and Opportunities for Every Child

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2026 – The World Bank Group today announced the launch of the Mauritania Improving Education Quality, Results, and Access for All (IQRAA) Operation, a transformative initiative aimed at improving the quality of basic education, expanding access to secondary education, particularly for adolescent girls, and strengthening education service delivery in refugee-hosting areas.

Supported by $40 million in financing from the International Development Association (IDA), and a $17.53 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the IQRAA operation marks a significant step forward in Mauritania’s efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient education system.

It also reflects a shared commitment by the Government of Mauritania and its development partners to invest in the country’s people. By focusing on learning outcomes, equitable access, and stronger education systems, the program seeks to ensure that every child can acquire the skills and knowledge needed to thrive and contribute to the country’s long-term development.

As the first Program-for-Results (PforR) operation in Mauritania’s education sector, this is a shift toward results-driven reforms that support lasting improvements across the entire education system. The program places equity and inclusion at the heart of its approach, including a landmark commitment to integrate more than 125,000 refugee children into the national education system while supporting approximately 385,000 children from host communities.

Through investments in education quality, access to secondary schooling, and strengthened sector governance, the operation is expected to benefit more than 1.3 million schoolchildren across Mauritania. By helping more children stay in school and succeed in learning, IQRAA will contribute to stronger human capital development, greater social inclusion, expanded opportunities for future generations, and a stronger pipeline of skills to support future job creation and economic transformation.

“IQRAA reflects a bold and forward-looking vision for education in Mauritania, said Ibou Diouf, World Bank Group Country Manager for Mauritania. By supporting reforms that improve learning outcomes and expand opportunities, especially for girls and vulnerable children, this program will help unlock the potential of an entire generation and strengthen the foundations for inclusive and sustainable development.”

The World Bank Group commended the continued leadership and commitment of the Government of Mauritania, as well as the valuable support of international financing partners, notably the Global Partnership for Education, and numerous technical partners.

For Mauritania, investing in education is an investment in the future. Through IQRAA, the country is taking an important step toward ensuring that every child, regardless of gender, background, or circumstance, has access to quality learning opportunities and the chance to realize their full potential.

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