Mauritania secures $300 Million private investment to boost renewable energy

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Mauritania has signed a historic $300 million agreement with Iwa Green Energy to develop its first 60-megawatt hybrid solar and wind power plant. The project not only expands the country’s electricity capacity but also signals growing investor confidence in Mauritania’s economy and government stability. The plant is scheduled to come online in September 2026. Currently,Mauritania’s installed electricity capacity stands at approximately 450 megawatts. By leveraging private investment for energy generation,the government aims to expand electricity supply without increasing public debt.

“This project with private actors demonstrates confidence in the government’s commitment to diversifying energy production and providing sustainable power to drive the economy,” said Sid’Ahmed Ould Bouh,Minister of Economy and Finance,during the signing ceremony in Nouakchott.

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Mauritania faces significant energy challenges. Less than 10% of rural households have access to electricity,and the country relies heavily on imported fuels despite its abundant solar and wind potential. Under President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s energy transition plan,Mauritania aims to achieve universal electricity access and ensure that 70% of power generation comes from renewable sources by 2030,boosting both economic growth and fiscal sustainability.

The project is developed under the Desert to Power Independent Power Producer (IPP) Joint Protocol,a regional initiative backed by the African Development Bank. The framework facilitates standardized private investment across 11 Sahel countries,accelerating renewable energy deployment. Energy Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled emphasized that the fully private financing model will allow the country to expand electricity supply without straining public finances. Daniel Schroth,Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank,added: “Mauritania has taken a decisive step by implementing the Desert to Power Joint Protocol. This demonstrates how private investment can accelerate renewable energy projects across the Sahel.”

This initiative positions Mauritania as a leading example in Africa of how to attract private capital,scale renewable energy projects,and strengthen the economy sustainably. The 60-megawatt solar and wind plant represents a major step forward in the country’s renewable energy transition,rural electrification,and long-term economic resilience.