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Transformation of Nouadhibou Mauritania

Nouadhibou, Mauritania

2012 - 2021
Territorial/ Regional Development
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Project Description

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Public Policy Instruments: Financial Mechanism

The Nouadhibou Port Development Project is a development infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding and modernizing the mineral port facilities in Nouadhibou, Mauritania’s second-largest city and economic capital. This project focuses on deepening and widening the 25 kilometers access channel to the SNIM mineral terminal to improve port capacity efficiency, and competitiveness. 1 2 3

The project envisions “positioning Nouadhibou as a key logistical and export hub in the global iron ore sector”. It aims to strengthen Mauritania’s export performance, reduce transportation costs, and improve resilience to fluctuations in international commodity markets. The project’s broader goal is to reinforce Nouadhibou’s role in national economic development and global trade integration. 4 5 6

Title: NOUADHIBOU Free Zone Authority

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Title: The port in Nouadhibou, Mauritania, includes fishmeal production plants and $100 million in Chinese investments

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Title: The old artisanal fishing port in Nouadhibou

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Title: Nouadhibou port development situation

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To implement these objectives, the Nouadhibou Port Development Project includes several key components that include:
– Channel dredging and widening: Expansion of the access channel to accommodate vessels of up to 230,000 tonnes, a significant upgrade from the current 150,000-tonne capacity. 7 8 9 10 11 12
– Job Creation: Generation of 94 direct full-time jobs during the construction phase and estimated 230 indirect positions, contributing to local employment. 13 14

– Community Investment: Support for SNIM Foundation program for promoting social development in nearby communities. 15 16

The project incorporates sustainability measures including water management strategies, renewable energy integration, and the use of local construction materials. By enabling docking of larger vessels, it aims to reduce the environmental footprint of maritime logistics, cutting emissions through more efficient shipping operations. 17 18 To implement these objectives, the Nouadhibou Port Development Project includes several key components that include:
– Channel dredging and widening: Expansion of the access channel to accommodate vessels of up to 230,000 tonnes, a significant upgrade from the current 150,000-tonne capacity. 7 8 9 10 11 12
– Job Creation: Generation of 94 direct full-time jobs during the construction phase and estimated 230 indirect positions, contributing to local employment. 13 14

– Community Investment: Support for SNIM Foundation program for promoting social development in nearby communities. 15 16

The project incorporates sustainability measures including water management strategies, renewable energy integration, and the use of local construction materials. By enabling docking of larger vessels, it aims to reduce the environmental footprint of maritime logistics, cutting emissions through more efficient shipping operations. 17 18

Owner/Developer (Public)

Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM) 26

Consultant/Designer

CARON CC 27

Funder

European Investment Bank (EIB) 28

African Development Bank (AfDB) 29

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) 30

Contractor/Implementer

the Mauritanian company Développement, Ingénierie et Distribution (DID) 31

Owner/Developer (Public)

Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM) 26

Contractor/Implementer

the Mauritanian company Développement, Ingénierie et Distribution (DID) 31

Funder

European Investment Bank (EIB) 28

African Development Bank (AfDB) 29

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) 30

Consultant/Designer

CARON CC 27

The project is spearheaded by Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM), Mauritania’s largest mining company and second-largest national employer. 19 Financial support is provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB) with a commitment of USD 59 million, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) contributing USD 50 million; both engaged in financing over a 12-year period. 20 21 22 23

Implementation of the project is structured in phases, with the current focus on the dredging and channel expansion. The construction timeline is estimated at 14 months. 24 An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is underway, and public consultations planned to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards. 25

Project Link, Endnotes and References

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