Germany and Mauritania have enjoyed good and friendly bilateral relations since the latter achieved independence in 1960, with political dialogue and close exchange on many issues, including at the level of heads of state and government. President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani visited Germany in 2024 and had a telephone call with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz in 2025. Federal Minister Johann Wadephul paid a visit to Mauritania in July 2026.

Intensive bilateral development cooperation has been ongoing since the 1960s. Nowadays, the focus is on the central topics of peace and social cohesion, the protection of natural resources, as well as sustainable economic development, training and employment. This includes the development of renewable energies and production of green hydrogen. Germany assists capacity-building efforts for the Mauritanian security forces both bilaterally and within the framework of the EU and NATO.

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 the number of refugees from neighbouring Mali in the eastern part of the country, Germany is supporting host communities in Mauritania in their efforts to integrate refugees.

Trade between the two countries has the potential for expansion. Germany’s principal imports from Mauritania are raw materials. Its main exports to the country include foodstuffs, motor vehicles and machinery. Various spheres offer potential for further involvement on the part of 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.