The week in one number: 16%: the annual rise in Mauritania's liquefied natural gas exports in the third quarter of 2026, to about 603,000 metric tons from 521,000 tons a year earlier, according to ship-tracking estimates, not official data, from energy platform Attaqa, as reported by news site Le360 with AFP.
Mauritania exported an estimated 603,000 metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the third quarter of 2026, up 16% from 521,000 tons a year earlier, according to ship-tracking data from energy platform Attaqa, cited by Le360 and AFP. Shipments for the first nine months reached nearly 1.97mn tons, compared with 823,000 tons a year earlier, while China and Bangladesh received 48% of third-quarter volumes.
Analysis: Nine-month exports more than doubled largely because Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA), shared with Senegal, began production in 2025. The latest quarter offers a better measure of activity: 603,000 tons is equivalent to about eight cargoes of 76,000 tons, by our calculation, in line with partner Kosmos Energy's forecast. That suggests a steadier flow for traders and banks monitoring gas receipts. The figures are based on vessel tracking rather than operator data. Kosmos's third-quarter results, expected in early November, should confirm shipments against its full-year forecast of 32 to 36 cargoes.
Source: Le360 (Morocco), often with MAP/AFP, Le360 Afrique (with AFP), citing specialist platform Attaqa, Q3 2026; Le360 (Morocco), often with MAP/AFP, Le360 Afrique (with AFP), 'Mauritanie: hausse de 16% des exportations de gaz naturel liquéfié au 3è trimestre 2026', citing platform Attaqa, Q3 2025; Le360 (Morocco), often with MAP/AFP, Le360 Afrique (with AFP), citing Attaqa, Jan-Sep 2026 and Jan-Sep 2025 and Q3 2026; Sahara Medias (FR), 'Les exportations mauritaniennes de gaz en hausse de 16 % au cours du 3ème trimestre', Q3 2026; Kosmos Energy (GTA partner), Kosmos Energy, 'Kosmos Energy Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results', Q3 2026 and H1 2026; Kosmos Energy (GTA partner), Kosmos Energy, Second Quarter 2026 Results, 2026
Mauritania joined seven other countries in signing World Bank Group metals and minerals compacts in Bangkok on October 16, 2026, to identify mining-sector reforms, infrastructure needs and investment priorities, the Bank said. The institution aims to increase its global support for the sector fivefold to $19bn over fiscal years 2026–2030. That is a worldwide goal, not a country-specific funding commitment earmarked for Mauritania.
Analysis: Sahara Medias reported the $19bn figure as funding for Mauritania, but the World Bank announced no country-specific allocation. By comparison, its entire active Mauritania portfolio stood at $1.19bn across 20 operations on September 15, meaning mining investments would need individual project approvals. The compact sets priorities for updating mineral licenses and geological information and improving energy and transport links, which could benefit explorers and infrastructure contractors. Its full text and targets have not been released, leaving the order and timing of projects unclear.
Source: World Bank Group press release, metals and minerals country compacts, Bangkok, FY2026-FY2030; World Bank Group, World Bank: Mauritania country page, 15 September 2026
Aura Energy's feasibility study estimates development costs for its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania at $349.8mn and a post-tax net present value of $500.3mn, assuming uranium sells for $90 per pound, Mining Weekly reported on October 16. The study projects average output of 1.8mn pounds annually over 26 years. Aura is targeting a final investment decision in December, with construction expected to take about two years, the report said.
Analysis: The new capital estimate is about 50% above the $230mn construction budget Aura cited on October 1, according to Agence Ecofin, a difference it has not publicly explained. The company is negotiating $150mn–$170mn in debt financing from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), less than half the projected cost, leaving a substantial requirement for equity or other loans. Tiris has also passed its 24-month permit deadline for starting production, although Aura says it has received no default notice. December's investment decision will be a key test for lenders and contractors.
Source: Mining Weekly (Creamer Media), Mining Weekly, 'BFS for Aura's Tiris uranium project estimates robust returns', Study of October 2026; Mining Weekly (Creamer Media), Mining Weekly, Study of October 2026 and October 2026; Agence Ecofin, Ecofin Agency, 'Aura Energy appoints key executives ahead of Tiris uranium construction', Statement of 30 September 2026; Agence Ecofin, Ecofin Agency, 'Uranium delays at Africa's planned mines postpone expected government revenues', October 2026
Mauritania completed an expansion of the Idini water supply project serving Nouakchott two months ahead of its December 3, 2026, contractual deadline, Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Djay said on October 18, according to state news agency AMI. Daily output has risen to more than 100,000 cubic meters from a maximum of 45,000, and the project cost €65mn, he said.
Analysis: Idini's output has more than doubled, by our calculation, although these figures measure supply from the field, not the city's total water supply. Reported project costs differ: AMI cited both €65mn and about 35bn ouguiyas. If the latter refers to old ouguiyas, it equals 3.5bn MRU (€78mn) at the current central bank rate, putting the reported amounts between €65mn and €78mn. More water could reduce dependence on truck deliveries for hotels, food processors and construction sites. But benefits depend on distribution through Nouakchott's network, where new reservoirs are still being built.
Source: AMI (state news agency), AMI, 'Le Premier Ministre : le projet Idini est achevé deux mois avant son échéance contractuelle', Before October 2026; AMI (state news agency), AMI, Idini project article, October 2026 and Total cost (as reported October 18, 2026); AMI (state news agency), Agence Mauritanienne d'Information, site footer 'COURS DE CHANGE', 19-20 October 2026
Mauritania plans to test a national digital addressing system before the end of 2026 to support e-commerce, the digital transformation ministry said in a September 29 presentation, according to Agence Ecofin. The World Bank is financing the initiative through a regional digital integration program. Mobile 3G and 4G networks covered 85% and 80% of the population respectively in 2025, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) figures cited by Ecofin showed.
Analysis: Reliable street addresses could lower last-mile delivery costs for couriers and improve customer identification for banks and utilities. But just 45.8% of the population used the internet in 2024, despite 4G network coverage reaching 80% a year later, suggesting physical network reach alone does not explain limited online commerce. Telecom regulator ARE also reported poor call completion rates and weak 3G and 4G service at Mattel, Mauritel and Chinguitel on October 7. The ministry has yet to identify the pilot location or budget before the year-end target.
Source: Agence Ecofin, Ecofin Agency, 'Mauritania plans end-2026 pilot of digital addressing system to support e-commerce', citing ITU, 2025; Agence Ecofin, Ecofin Agency, citing ITU, 2025 and 2024
Chart of the week
LNG cargoes lifted at the GTA gas project, gross cargoes per quarter, third quarter 2025 to second quarter 2026
6.8
8.0
9.5
9.0
Q3 25Q4 25Q1 26Q2 26
Cargoes for the whole Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, which Mauritania shares with Senegal, as reported by project partner Kosmos Energy. These company counts are not the ship-tracking estimates in the lead, which come from press reports and are not official. The fourth-quarter 2025 count is approximate, and the third-quarter 2026 count is due on November 2. Source: Kosmos Energy (GTA partner), Kosmos Energy, 'Kosmos Energy Announces Third Quarter 2025 Results', Q3 2025; Kosmos Energy (GTA partner), Kosmos Energy, 'Kosmos Energy Announces Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2025 Results', Q4 2025; Kosmos Energy (GTA partner), Kosmos Energy, 'Kosmos Energy Announces First Quarter 2026 Results', Q1 2026; Kosmos Energy (GTA partner), Kosmos Energy, 'Kosmos Energy Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results', Q2 2026.
Tender of the week
1,500-cubic-meter reservoir and 250-cubic-meter water tower
Buyer
Nouakchott water distribution network project unit (UGPRD)
Scope
Construction of a 1,500-cubic-meter reservoir and a 250-cubic-meter water tower, with civil works for a pumping station; national open tender.
Value
Not published
Closes
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
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In Alama Pro this week
Deep dive: Mauritania's exports depend on three gas, gold and iron ore operations
All this week's stories with their workings, across eight areas, from LNG exports and the Idini water project to the World Bank minerals compact, Tiris uranium, the IMF fiscal mission, 9.3% inflation, US trade access and an Italian-backed wheat project
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