Mauritania - Market ChallengesMauritania - Market Challenges
Mauritania continues to struggle with persistent poverty, which affects nearly 50% of the population and includes food and water shortages. The illiteracy rate of the population is estimated at around 50%, and the country faces a shortage of skilled labor, which has been exacerbated by international companies arriving – mostly in the hydrocarbon sector – and trying to meet Mauritanian local labor content regulations.
Tariffs and taxes are high in comparison with neighboring countries. In addition, corruption and the complexity of customs procedures pose challenges for investors, particularly those that are unfamiliar with the system. Procedures required to start a business in Mauritania are complicated and often require significant time and money to complete, although the government is working on this with the establishment of a “Guichet Unique,” which serve as one-stop shops for setting up a company.
Generally poor, albeit improving, infrastructure is a challenge for many investors, but also a market opportunity. Other challenges include a weak judicial system, opaque tax laws, complicated labor laws, and deeply rooted tribal ties that can lead to nepotism and the creation of patronage networks.
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
Tariffs and taxes are high in comparison with neighboring countries. In addition, corruption and the complexity of customs procedures pose challenges for investors, particularly those that are unfamiliar with the system. Procedures required to start a business in Mauritania are complicated and often require significant time and money to complete, although the government is working on this with the establishment of a “Guichet Unique,” which serve as one-stop shops for setting up a company.
Generally poor, albeit improving, infrastructure is a challenge for many investors, but also a market opportunity. Other challenges include a weak judicial system, opaque tax laws, complicated labor laws, and deeply rooted tribal ties that can lead to nepotism and the creation of patronage networks.
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.