On the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum 2025 held in Rabat from 26 to 28 November 2025, EIB Monde, the branch of the European Bank investment dedicated to development and international partnerships, and the African Development Bank have signed a financing agreement spouse of 275 million dollars. The aim is to modernize the main Mauritania railway corridor connecting the Zouerat mining center, rich in iron ore, at the Atlantic Port of Nouadhibou.

The African Bank of Development brings 150 million dollars and BEI Monde 125 million dollars, guaranteed by the European Union. This major project aims to extend and rehabilitate the Zouerat—Nouadhibou line, to strengthen the competitiveness of Mauritania, to support green growth and to boost integration regional. This joint operation is in line with the “Global” strategy. Gateway” of the European Union and on the national priorities of industrial development in Mauritania.
These two non-sovereign private grants, which are granted directly to the Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM), reaffirm the commitment joint partners to catalyze business investments and to support commercially viable infrastructure in Africa.

This operation will make it possible to finance the rehabilitation of the railway line. existing, the construction of 42 kilometers of new roads connecting the future El Aouj and Atomai mining sites, as well as the acquisition of locomotives, railcars and modern maintenance equipment. This vital operation, which is part of the “Global Gateway” strategy ” of the European Union in terms of infrastructure investments processors, will connect Mauritania's main mining region to its export terminal, thus playing a central role in the national economy and its integration into global value chains.
The project is implemented by the Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM), the largest employer in Mauritania and a central player in national development. It will increase transport capacity, reduce fuel consumption and improve safety and reliability along a corridor that forms the backbone of the export economy of the country.
“This financing marks an important step for Mauritania and for the African Development Bank. By supporting SNIM through a loan as a non-sovereign company, we demonstrate our determination to increase private sector investments in strategic value chains. La modernization of this railway line will open new perspectives for industry, will strengthen Mauritania's role in regional trade and will accelerate the country's transition to more sustainable growth and competitive” said Mr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the Bank Group African development.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the financing institution for long term of the European Union, owned by its Member States. She finances investments that contribute to the priorities of the European Union. He is the specialized branch of the EIB Group dedicated to strengthening the impact of international partnerships and financing for development. It is also a key partner in the Global Gateway initiative. EIB Global aims to support 100 billion euros in investments by the end 2027.