The World Bank has approved $50 million in funding to support Mauritania in improving public spending efficiency and strengthening social services.
This operation combines $42 million in financing under the Program-for-Results (PforR) instrument and $8 million in investment project financing.
The Public Expenditure Efficiency Operation in Mauritania supports the third phase (2025–2030) of the government's Public Financial Management Strategy, which aims to expand fiscal space and reallocate resources to high-impact areas for better delivery of public services in health, education, and social protection.
The program supports Mauritania’s transition to program-based budgeting, in line with the 2018 Organic Finance Law.
“Mauritania is undertaking important public financial management reforms that will strengthen how the government allocates and manages resources. This operation represents a significant step in the country's efforts to ensure more efficient and accountable public spending, with maximum impact for the Mauritanian population, particularly in the areas of health, education, and social protection,” said Ibou Diouf, World Bank Operations Manager for Mauritania.
This support takes the form of an innovative financing approach, specifically designed to strengthen public financial management systems.
“This is the first Program-for-Results operation in Mauritania, where disbursements are directly tied to the achievement of measurable development results. This approach is particularly effective as it both strengthens government systems and creates performance-based incentives,” stated Gaël Raballand, Governance Sector Leader for the World Bank’s West and Central Africa Global Governance Practice.
The financing will also support the deployment of the e-GP system (electronic public procurement), developed as part of the Digital Transformation for Africa Program, contributing to environmental goals by significantly reducing paper usage and travel needs.
In the health sector, the program supports national efforts to improve vaccination coverage, particularly for measles and rubella, thereby strengthening the public health system. It will ensure that health centers are equipped with the necessary materials in compliance with national standards.
The program also introduces climate-smart criteria into public investment project selection, ensuring that investments contribute to sustainable development goals while strengthening resilience to climate risks.
