Mauritania, like many countries, has aligned its national development strategies with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Since 2008, the country has made strides in various sectors to advance the SDGs, focusing on poverty reduction, improving healthcare, education, and promoting sustainable resource management. Below is a detailed overview of Mauritania’s progress and challenges in achieving the SDGs from 2008 to 2024.
1. Poverty Reduction (SDG 1)
2008-2020:
- Mauritania has made moderate progress in reducing poverty, though it remains one of the least developed countries in the region. Government initiatives such as the National Strategy for Poverty Reduction (2008-2015) helped lower the national poverty rate by increasing investments in rural areas, providing social safety nets, and supporting small businesses.
- However, poverty reduction has been uneven across regions, with rural areas lagging behind urban centers.
2020-2024:
- The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated poverty levels, with many Mauritanians losing access to employment and basic services. The government, with support from international organizations, launched emergency relief programs and social protection schemes to cushion the economic impact.
- Efforts to enhance financial inclusion and improve social safety nets continue as key strategies for poverty alleviation.
2. Zero Hunger (SDG 2)
2008-2015:
- Mauritania has faced significant food security challenges, especially in rural areas where droughts and climate change have severely affected agricultural productivity. In response, the Government Action Plan for Agriculture and Food Security (GPAF) was implemented to support farming communities and enhance food production.
- Nutritional programs targeted vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.
2016-2024:
- Mauritania has worked closely with the World Food Programme (WFP) and FAO to strengthen agricultural resilience and improve food security through innovative programs like climate-smart agriculture.
- The government has also invested in projects to combat malnutrition, improve food storage systems, and enhance market access for local farmers.
3. Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
2008-2015:
- Over this period, the government focused on improving basic healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Investments in maternal and child health helped reduce mortality rates, although significant gaps remained in access to quality healthcare.
- Major vaccination campaigns were carried out to tackle preventable diseases like polio and measles.
2016-2024:
- The implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) was a significant milestone, aiming to expand healthcare access to marginalized communities.
- In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mauritania scaled up its health infrastructure and implemented vaccination campaigns, supported by international partners such as the WHO and GAVI.
- Continued efforts to address communicable diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, as well as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), remain a priority.
4. Quality Education (SDG 4)
2008-2015:
- Education has been a central part of Mauritania’s development strategy. The National Education Plan (2008-2012) focused on increasing school enrollment, especially for girls, and improving the quality of education through curriculum reforms and teacher training programs.
- Literacy rates improved, although rural areas still lagged in terms of educational outcomes.
2016-2024:
- Education for All initiatives were expanded, and Mauritania launched digital education platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure learning continuity.
- Efforts have been made to improve access to secondary and higher education, with a focus on vocational training to bridge the skills gap in the labor market.
5. Gender Equality (SDG 5)
2008-2015:
- The government made strides in promoting gender equality, including the adoption of laws to protect women’s rights and reduce gender-based violence. However, women’s participation in the workforce and decision-making roles remained low.
- Legal reforms sought to address inequalities in inheritance, land ownership, and access to education.
2016-2024:
- Gender-based violence and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) were actively addressed through national campaigns and legal measures.
- Mauritania worked to increase women’s participation in politics, with women holding 20% of seats in Parliament by 2024, and gender parity in school enrollments improved.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
2008-2015:
- Access to clean water and sanitation has been a significant challenge, especially in rural and remote areas. The National Water and Sanitation Strategy aimed to improve water infrastructure, but progress was slow due to funding and logistical challenges.
2016-2024:
- Mauritania continued efforts to improve water access, especially in urban areas, through investments in water purification and distribution systems.
- Sanitation programs focused on eliminating open defecation and improving waste management in rural areas.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
2008-2015:
- Energy access was limited, with only 60% of the population connected to the electricity grid. The government launched initiatives to develop renewable energy sources, especially solar and wind, to address the energy deficit.
2016-2024:
- Significant progress was made in expanding renewable energy. The government partnered with international investors to build solar power plants, including the Nouakchott Solar Power Plant, contributing to a 25% increase in energy access by 2024.
- Mauritania is on track to meet its target of generating 30% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
2008-2015:
- Economic growth was driven largely by mining and fishing industries. However, unemployment, particularly among youth and women, remained high. The National Employment Strategy aimed to create jobs and reduce informal employment.
2016-2024:
- Post-pandemic recovery efforts focused on economic diversification by promoting sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and agriculture. Job creation programs targeted youth and women, with a focus on entrepreneurship and small business development.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
2008-2024:
- Infrastructure development, especially in transport and digital connectivity, has been key to promoting economic growth. The Nouadhibou Free Zone established in 2013 helped attract foreign investment and spur industrial growth.
- Recent years have seen increased investments in digital technologies and innovations to promote smart agriculture and e-governance.
13. Climate Action (SDG 13)
2008-2024:
- As one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, Mauritania faced recurring droughts and desertification. The National Climate Change Adaptation Plan focused on improving agricultural resilience, water management, and reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy projects.
- In 2021, Mauritania updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 11%.
15. Life on Land (SDG 15)
2008-2024:
- Desertification and loss of biodiversity have been major environmental challenges. The government, supported by international organizations, has worked on reforestation projects and efforts to protect endangered species.
- The Great Green Wall Initiative, aimed at curbing desertification, has made moderate progress by planting millions of trees to restore degraded land.
Conclusion
From 2008 to 2024, Mauritania has made considerable progress in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, clean energy, and climate action. However, challenges such as food insecurity, limited access to clean water, and uneven economic growth continue to hinder full achievement of the SDGs. Through continued collaboration with international organizations and a focus on building resilient infrastructure, Mauritania remains committed to aligning its national strategies with the 2030 Agenda for Sustain