The African Development Bank (AfDB) and EIB Global, the development arm of the European Investment Bank, have committed US$275 million to support the upgrade and expansion of Mauritania’s railway infrastructure. The financing package consists of US$150 million from the AfDB and US$125 million from EIB Global, with backing from the European Union. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum 2025.
The investment targets the main railway corridor operated by the Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM), which connects the iron ore mines in Zouérat to the export terminal in Nouadhibou. The project will rehabilitate aging sections of the railway and construct 42 kilometers of new line to access future mining sites at El Aouj and Atomai. It will also finance the purchase of modern locomotives and wagons, upgrade maintenance facilities, and strengthen operational equipment along the nearly 700-kilometer corridor.
According to the partners, the upgrade will improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety of iron ore transport, helping SNIM increase its transport capacity and support the development of new mining operations. The initiative also aims to reduce the environmental impact of freight transport by reinforcing rail as the preferred mode over road.
The project is aligned with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy and reflects continued efforts by development financiers to support strategic, climate-resilient infrastructure in Africa. The strengthened rail corridor is expected to enhance Mauritania’s mining competitiveness, boost export performance, and create opportunities for industrial growth linked to the sector.
