A Rail Line Project between Morocco and Mauritania Enhances Cooperation and Reshapes the Economic Landscape
The Mauritanian government announced this week a rail line project linking the Choum area on the border with Moroccan Sahara to Akjoujt, extending to the capital, Nouakchott. This project is part of a package of infrastructure initiatives aimed at developing the transport sector and supporting the national economy, with the goal of enhancing logistical connectivity and trade exchanges between the two countries, while solidifying a growing strategic partnership between Morocco and Mauritania.
The rail line represents a significant step in raising Mauritania’s profile as a commercial bridge between North and West Africa, while also paving the way for Morocco to expand its export routes to West African countries through improved road networks. This project emerges at a time when Mauritania is close to inaugurating a new land crossing linking the Mauritanian city of Bir Moghrein and the Moroccan region of Smara via Amgala, reflecting a clear desire to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation between the two nations.
The anticipated land crossing is expected to increase trade and logistical services, thus revitalizing economic activities in border areas such as Smara and Bir Moghrein, in addition to reinforcing Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern territories. In this context, Mohamed Mokhtar Ould Sid Ahmed, Director of Programming and Cooperation at the Mauritanian Ministry of Transport, stated that the rail line “will pave the way for effective logistical connectivity between the capital and northern regions, confirming the role of Choum as an intermediary station towards the Moroccan border.” He added that “the opening of the Bir Moghrein crossing will serve as a new lever for trade and human exchanges between the two countries.”
These initiatives coincide with a notable shift in Mauritania’s stance on the Sahara issue, moving from positive neutrality to supporting the Moroccan solution based on autonomy. This political transformation opens the door to deepening economic and strategic rapprochement between Rabat and Nouakchott, thereby enhancing future cooperation prospects in the region.
