Mauritania Signs $1B ITFC Trade Finance Agreement

Framework agreement strengthens trade financing

The Mauritania ITFC trade finance agreement marks a significant step in strengthening the country’s access to trade financing and supporting long-term economic development. The five-year framework agreement, valued at $1 billion, was signed between the Government of Mauritania and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group.

The agreement establishes a structured financing framework for the period 2026–2030. It is designed to facilitate Mauritania’s imports of strategic commodities while strengthening export capabilities. Officials say the programme will focus on sectors with high economic impact, including energy supply, agriculture, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Supporting energy supply and economic stability

Energy imports remain essential for Mauritania’s economic stability and industrial development. Therefore, the Mauritania ITFC trade finance agreement will help secure financing for petroleum products and other essential energy supplies that sustain transportation, manufacturing, and commercial activity across the country.

According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Mauritania, access to structured trade finance is a key pillar in maintaining supply chains and ensuring predictable energy availability. In addition, the programme is expected to improve liquidity for public institutions involved in commodity imports.

Boosting agriculture and SME participation in trade

Agriculture is also expected to benefit from the framework agreement. Financing tools provided through the programme aim to expand access to agricultural inputs, strengthen food supply chains, and support rural producers seeking access to export markets.

In parallel, the initiative seeks to improve financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises that participate in Mauritania’s trade ecosystem. By expanding trade finance channels, the programme could enhance the ability of local businesses to participate in regional and international commerce.

Part of broader Islamic finance engagement in Africa

The Mauritania ITFC trade finance agreement reflects the growing role of Islamic trade finance institutions in supporting African economies. The Islamic Development Bank Group has increasingly expanded its engagement across the continent, particularly in trade-related financing and development initiatives.

Across Africa, similar frameworks aim to facilitate commodity trade, stabilise supply chains, and strengthen economic resilience. Moreover, such programmes often complement broader development initiatives supported by multilateral lenders such as the African Development Bank.

For Mauritania, the agreement reinforces a strategy focused on improving trade infrastructure, supporting productive sectors, and ensuring the availability of essential imports. As implementation begins, policymakers expect the financing framework to strengthen trade capacity while supporting broader economic development objectives over the coming years.

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