Mauritania’s public debt estimated at nearly $4.4 billion

According to the latest report from the Public Debt Directorate, Mauritania’s public debt stood at 177.8 billion new ouguiyas (approximately $4.4 billion) as of mid-2024. This external liability is primarily denominated in US dollars, reflecting Mauritania’s reliance on international loans and funding sources to support development projects and balance fiscal deficits. The Finance Ministry emphasized efforts to strengthen domestic revenue collection, diversify the economy, and attract foreign investment are seen as critical steps to reduce dependency on external borrowing and mitigate associated risks.