Vienna, June 18, 2025 – On the sidelines of the 4th High-Level Forum of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), held in Vienna under the theme “Shaping our Future Through Transition”, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania secured a commitment of $2 billion in financing from the Arab Coordination Group (ACG).
As the guest of honor at this edition, Mauritanian President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani was welcomed by the President of the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, and the President-elect of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mauritanian Sidi Ould Tah. The Mauritanian head of state chaired a high-level roundtable discussion on sustainable development and structural transformation of African economies.
During this session, the Arab Coordination Group – which brings together several Arab multilateral financial institutions such as the OPEC Fund, the Saudi Fund for Development, the Kuwait Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, and the Islamic Development Bank – announced a total contribution of $2 billion to support Mauritania’s national development program for the period 2025-2030. This financial support aims to strengthen several priority sectors: energy, water, transportation, and digital infrastructure.
This partnership signifies a vote of confidence in the economic reform strategy undertaken by Nouakchott, based on good governance, social inclusion, and diversification of growth drivers. It also reflects the increasing alignment between Arab financing institutions and African states in a logic of long-term investment.
The forum took place in an international context marked by debates on oil production levels, energy transition, and market stability. It is worth noting the return of Gabon to the OPEC fold after two decades of absence. OPEC, which now comprises 13 member countries, represents approximately one-third of global crude oil production and remains a strategic player in global energy balances.
Mauritania’s notable participation in this forum is a testament to its growing presence on the international economic and diplomatic stage, at the intersection of energy, Arab, and African interests.
