Germany and Mauritania have enjoyed good and friendly bilateral relations since Mauritania’s independence in 1960, with regular, high‑level dialogue and close exchange on many topics, including at the level of heads of state and government. President Ghazouani’s most recent visit to Germany was in 2024.

Bilateral development cooperation has been ongoing since the 1960s. Nowadays it focuses on the central topics of peace and social cohesion, the protection of the ecosystems on which all life on Earth depends, as well as on sustainable economic development, training and employment. This includes the development of renewable energies and production of green hydrogen.

Furthermore, the German Government is assisting Mauritania with selected steps as part of a NATO Partnership. Germany supports programmes run by multilateral organisations such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme to strengthen the population’s resilience and social security. Projects are also underway focusing on preventing extremism and promoting the rule of law. Through United Nations humanitarian assistance, particularly in the light of the major increase in refugees from Mauritania’s neighbouring country Mali to the east, Germany offers integration assistance to communities taking in refugees.

Trade between the two countries could be further expanded. Germany’s principal imports from Mauritania are raw materials and its main exports to the country are foodstuffs, motor vehicles and machinery. Various spheres offer potential for additional activities by German businesses, including the development of renewable energies and the planned launch of green hydrogen production, as well as the delivery of capital goods for the mining, transport, logistics, agriculture, fishery and medicinal products sectors.