Mauritania and Senegal have reaffirmed their commitment to consolidate their economic and strategic partnership during the official visit to Dakar on January 8 and 9 by Mauritanian Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay. This meeting marks a key step in the closer relationship between the two countries and the follow-up of structuring projects with a strong impact on regional economic development.
Discussions with Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, punctuated by a one-on-one meeting and a press conference, focused on energy, infrastructure, trade, mobility, and security.
“This visit illustrates our common desire to turn our political commitments into concrete projects that benefit our economies and populations,” said the Senegalese Prime Minister during the meeting. For Sonko, the importance lies in the ability of both governments to align political strategy with operational economic initiatives.
Structuring projects and economic opportunities
The offshore gas project Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) remained at the center of discussions. Dakar and Nouakchott reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated exploitation of the deposit, seen as a major lever for public revenue, energy diversification, and attractiveness to foreign investors.
During his speech, Mauritanian Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay recalled that: “The GTA is not just an energy project, it is a symbol of our strategic and industrial partnership. We must move forward together to maximize its economic benefits.” The joint visit of the presidents to the platform in May 2025 was cited as a strong political signal for the start of liquefied natural gas production.
Infrastructure, notably the Rosso bridge, key for cross-border trade and regional integration, has had its schedule revised: the delivery, initially planned for early 2026, is now postponed to 2027. The lifting of the break of bulk since November 2025 and the creation of a freight office, as well as an exchange management platform, should reduce logistical costs, boost trade, and enhance regional competitiveness.
Dakar and Nouakchott have also committed to fully implement the June 2025 agreement on the entry, stay, and establishment of their respective nationals. A joint monitoring committee, scheduled by the end of February 2026, aims to secure cross-border workforce, essential for local economic activities and regional value chains.
In response to the spread of Rift Valley fever, both governments have decided to strengthen health coordination, particularly in livestock and agro-industry. The imminent launch of a project to modernize livestock sectors, focused on creating cooperatives along the Senegal River valley, is a lever for productivity and food security.
