World Bank: Mauritania's urban growth among Africa's fastest at 3.8%

Mauritania's urban areas are expanding rapidly at a rate of 3.8%, among the highest in Africa, according to a World Bank report. 

This growth prompts an urgent focus on interior cities. In collaboration with local authorities, the World Bank has launched the Moudoun initiative, aimed at enhancing the productivity, resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity of these urban centers. 

The program targets eight southern cities and communities around the Mberra refugee camp near the Mali border. 

It follows significant urban challenges, including massive flooding in August 2022 that inflicted damages costing up to 3% of Mauritania's GDP and destroyed over 4,000 homes.