WASHINGTON, December 14, 2022 - Today, World Bank Group President David Malpass met with President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani of Mauritania.
President Malpass and President El Ghazouani discussed Mauritania’s response to the successive shocks affecting the economy, including the COVID-19 pandemic, strained food and fertilizer supplies, and climate related natural disasters. President Malpass highlighted the World Bank Group’s (WBG) support to Mauritania to respond to the recent floods, and agriculture programs aimed at improving food security. President Malpass and President El Ghazouani also spoke about the WBG’s support to livestock and pastoralism in the region and the need for more private investment in these sectors. President Malpass also commended President El Ghazouani for the proactive implementation of the country’s debt strategy and reducing debt vulnerabilities.
President Malpass and President El Ghazouani also spoke about the energy sector and Mauritania’s unique position as a future producer and exporter of clean energy. In this context, President Malpass reaffirmed the WBG’s readiness to support the energy sector transition and improved access to electricity, including through mini-grids and scaling solar initiatives.
President Malpass commended President El Ghazouani for the stabilizing role Mauritania plays in the Sahel region, and reiterated the WBG’s commitment to help address the root causes of conflict and to build resilience of institutions and communities in conflict and at-risk areas.
President Malpass and President El Ghazouani discussed the importance of access to quality education, girls’ education, and pre-primary education to strengthen human capital.
