Mauritania, Morocco to revamp trade pact 

The two nations seek to modernize a decades-old agreement and strengthen economic ties

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (MNTV) – Mauritania and Morocco have launched talks to modernize their 38-year-old trade agreement, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $350 million by the end of 2025, according to North Africa Post.

The 1986 agreement, centered on customs exemptions, has grown outdated amid evolving economic dynamics and rising ambitions. 

The revision aligns with a strategic partnership between King Mohammed VI and President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, reflecting mutual trust and shared goals.

In recent years, the two nations have signed several sector-specific agreements to deepen cooperation. 

Moroccan firms are modernizing Mauritania’s Nouadhibou Autonomous Port, and a 2021 customs facilitation pact has eased trade through the Guerguerat border crossing—a key gateway for commerce with West Africa.

During recent discussions, Mauritanian Commerce Minister Zeinebou Mint Ahmednah urged expanded access for Mauritanian products in Moroccan markets and called for diversifying trade into high-value-added sectors. 

Moroccan Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Omar Ihjira stressed the private sector’s critical role in advancing trade.

The two countries are also pursuing joint initiatives in technological innovation, renewable energy, the agri-food industry, and regional logistics. 

These efforts align with a broader vision to promote African economic integration, starting with pragmatic bilateral projects before scaling to larger frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area.