NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania — Mauritania is taking steps to expand its access to African development finance after the Council of Ministers approved draft laws on September 30, 2026, concerning membership in the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) and the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATIDI).

The proposed TDB membership would give Mauritania access to additional financial instruments to support priority sectors including infrastructure, energy, industry, trade, sustainable housing and private-sector financing.

The government said membership could also strengthen South-South partnerships and intra-African trade, while connecting Mauritania more closely to regional financing and investment networks.

A second draft law concerns Mauritania's accession to ATIDI, a multilateral institution that provides insurance, guarantees and other mechanisms designed to reduce risks associated with trade and investment.

According to the government, these instruments could help mobilise capital for major projects and create conditions that support investment and commercial activity.

The move comes shortly after Mauritania's participation in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's annual meeting in Doha, where officials presented investment opportunities and discussed infrastructure financing.

The draft laws still require the applicable ratification process before the memberships are completed.