AGP Executive Report

Agriculture & Innovation in Mauritania: The 5th Mauritanian International Date Festival opened in Atar (Adrar) under President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, with UAE support, bringing 76 pavilions and 245 exhibitors from seven countries and a three-day program that includes a scientific symposium on date-palm cultivation, post-harvest innovations, and sustainable farming. Digital Finance & Trade Payments: Across Africa, more institutions are moving toward China’s CIPS to enable direct yuan payments; Libya’s central bank talks point to banks preparing to join, while Zambia already collects taxes and royalties from Chinese mining in yuan—an effort to reduce reliance on US-dollar rails. Climate Tech & Public Risk: New analysis using Copernicus data says around 900 million people worldwide endured their hottest July on record in 2026, with nearly 400 million in Africa—Sahel countries including Mauritania among those breaking monthly heat records—raising pressure for better climate monitoring and heat resilience. Energy Skills for Mauritania: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative, aiming to bring competency management and e-learning training to Mauritania’s growing energy and mining workforce, including LNG-linked projects. Aquaculture Reality Check: A report on Spain’s shelved industrial octopus farm highlights how hard-to-farm species and regulatory hurdles can stall ambitious marine tech plans.

Agriculture & Innovation: The 5th Mauritanian International Date Festival 2026 opened in Atar, Adrar, with President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani patronage and UAE support, bringing 245 exhibitors across 76 pavilions from seven countries and featuring a scientific symposium on the latest agricultural technologies and post-harvest innovations. Climate & Public Safety: New analysis using Copernicus data says record July heat hit regions home to about 900 million people worldwide, with Mauritania among Sahel countries breaking monthly temperature records—raising urgent concerns for health, food security, and resilience. Energy Skills for Mauritania: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative to deliver competency management and training solutions for Mauritania’s growing energy and mining workforce, including around LNG activity linked to Greater Tortue Ahmeyim. Aquaculture Debate: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova shelved plans for an industrial octopus farm near Las Palmas, citing “business and regulatory” reasons after years of scientific and activist backlash—fueling renewed debate on whether advanced marine farming can scale responsibly. Local Tech & Industry Training: A Canary Islands-backed “Cluster” initiative trained Mauritanian women in fashion creativity, entrepreneurship, and business strengthening, aiming to create jobs and reduce pressure to take dangerous Atlantic migration routes. Astronomy for the Region: Skywatchers in parts of North Africa, including Mauritania, may see a partial solar eclipse later this week, with organizers urging use of certified eclipse glasses.

Mauritania Energy Skills: IHRDC has appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative for Mauritania, bringing competency management, e-learning, and instructor-led training to the country’s energy and mining workforce—an effort tied to growth around projects like Greater Tortue Ahmeyim. Sahel Heat Shock: New analysis using Copernicus data says around 900 million people worldwide faced their hottest July on record in 2026, with nearly 400 million in Africa; Mauritania is among Sahel countries breaking monthly temperature records. FLNG Build-Out for Mauritania: Seatrium and Golar LNG advanced plans for a potential third FLNG conversion project via a Letter of Intent, extending their partnership that already delivered FLNG capacity for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim offshore Mauritania and Senegal. Greenfield Investment Watch: A UNCTAD-backed roundup flags Mauritania’s $3.1B renewable energy greenfield project as one of Africa’s biggest new investments, signaling renewables moving into the same league as oil and gas. Aquaculture Debate: A major report argues aquaculture’s promise can backfire—popular farmed fish may still rely on wild fish inputs, raising questions for food security and ocean recovery. Octopus Farming Setback: Spain’s Nueva Pescanova shelved its industrial octopus farm near the Canary Islands, citing “business and regulatory” reasons after years of scientific and activist pushback.

Mauritania in Global Well-Being Math: A Remitly analysis using Purdue University “income satiation” research estimates Mauritania’s “price of happiness” at $14,732, placing it among the lowest thresholds for when extra income starts adding less to life satisfaction—Ethiopia is lowest at $10,176. Climate Shock for the Sahel: AFP analysis of Copernicus data says about 900 million people worldwide faced their hottest July on record in 2026; nearly 400 million are in Africa, with Mauritania among Sahel countries breaking monthly heat records. Mauritania Skills for Energy Jobs: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative in Mauritania to deliver competency management, e-learning, and instructor-led training for the country’s energy and mining workforce. Local Tech & Creative Industry Push: A Canary Islands Government “Cluster” pilot brought Mauritanian fashion brands to a Spanish Embassy in Nouakchott after training in creativity, entrepreneurship, and textile value-chain upgrading, aiming to cut risky Atlantic migration. Energy Investment Signals: UNCTAD-linked reporting highlights Mauritania’s $3.1B renewable energy greenfield project as one of Africa’s biggest announced in 2025.

Green Tech Policy: China’s landmark Ecological and Environmental Code, embedding Xi Jinping’s “ecological civilization” ideas into law, takes effect Saturday—pushing conservation-led development after the Yucun village model of cleaner growth. Energy Investment & Security: A new Africa oil-and-gas investment cycle is shifting focus from finding fresh reserves to turning existing and new fields into energy security, industrial capacity, and long-term value, with deepwater projects highlighted. Mauritania Energy Skills: IHRDC appoints IDM Industries as its in-country representative for Mauritania, aiming to bring competency management and e-learning to the country’s energy and mining workforce. Climate Pressure on the Sahel: Record July heat hit regions home to about 900 million people; in Africa’s Sahel, including Mauritania, multiple countries logged their hottest July on record, raising heat-risk for food and health. Aquaculture Debate: A report challenges aquaculture’s “save the oceans” pitch, arguing some farmed species rely on wild fish inputs—fueling depletion rather than solving it. Space & Skywatching: A total solar eclipse is set for Aug 12, with partial visibility in parts of the Maghreb including Mauritania, plus other astronomy highlights across the region. 5G Rollout Watch: Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic rose, while 5G Fixed Wireless Access adoption surged; the report notes 5G services are also starting in Mauritania.

Western Mediterranean Migration & Border Security: A mass attempt to cross into Spain’s Ceuta on 30 July 2026 left at least 57 dead and exposed cracks in Europe’s external border approach, with the fallout also turning into a geopolitical fight over narratives. Ocean Food Systems: A new critique of aquaculture argues that popular farmed fish like salmon can rely on wild fish inputs, raising concerns that “farming to save oceans” may be overstated. Mauritania Energy Workforce: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative for Mauritania, aiming to bring competency management and training into the country’s energy and mining sectors. Climate Shock in the Sahel: Copernicus-based analysis says record July heat hit regions home to about 900 million people, with Mauritania among Sahel countries breaking monthly temperature records. Renewables & Industry in Mauritania: A UNCTAD-linked roundup of major greenfield projects lists Mauritania’s $3.1bn renewable energy plan among Africa’s biggest new investments. 5G Rollout in North Africa: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch, while it notes 5G services are also starting in Mauritania and other North African markets. Astronomy for Mauritania Readers: A total solar eclipse on 12 August won’t be visible from the Levant, but a partial eclipse is expected across parts of the Maghreb including Mauritania.

Mauritania Energy Skills: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative for Mauritania, aiming to bring competency management, e-learning, and instructor-led training to the country’s energy and mining workforce, including projects tied to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG. Climate Shock for the Sahel: AFP analysis using Copernicus data reports record July temperatures affecting regions home to about 900 million people, with nearly 400 million in Africa and multiple Sahel countries—including Mauritania—breaking monthly heat records. Solar Science for Mauritania: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 won’t be visible from Jordan, but a partial eclipse is expected across parts of the Maghreb, including Mauritania; experts warn viewers to use certified eclipse glasses. Digital Infrastructure & Trust: UNDP is pushing blockchain beyond pilots into production “digital public infrastructure,” saying the remaining hurdles are governance, interoperability, and trust—not the technology itself. 5G in North Africa: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic rose, and notes 5G rollout activity in Mauritania alongside Libya. Data Center Reality Check: Uptime Institute’s tier certification highlights that Morocco leads in inspected Tier III/IV data centers by count, but constructed certification is what proves real resilience.

Security & Sahel Arms Flows: An investigative report says militants fighting Mali’s government are being supplied with weapons, fighters and training via a smuggling network running from Libya to Ukraine, with reinforcements linked to Russia’s Africa Corps and routes tied to a 2026 UN Libya finding; the report also lists hundreds of seized weapons attributed to groups including the Tuareg Azawad Liberation Front and JNIM. Climate & Public Safety: AFP analysis of Copernicus data reports record July heat affecting regions home to about 900 million people, with Mauritania among Sahel countries breaking monthly temperature records—raising risks for health, food security and disaster response. Mauritania Energy Skills: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative for Mauritania, aiming to bring competency management and e-learning to the country’s growing energy and mining workforce. Digital Infrastructure: Ookla’s latest North Africa look notes Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch, while operators in Libya and Mauritania have begun rolling out 5G. Science & Heritage: A new explainer revisits Mauritania’s “Eye of the Sahara” (Richat Structure), explaining its ringed geology in space-visible terms. Local Tech & Jobs: A Canary Islands-backed “Cluster” project trained Mauritanian women in fashion and entrepreneurship, culminating in a Nouakchott fashion show at the Spanish Embassy.

Extreme Heat Watch: AFP analysis of Copernicus data says about 900 million people worldwide endured their hottest July on record in 2026, with 33 countries breaking records; in the Sahel, Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso were among the worst hit, while drought and wildfires also struck parts of France and Spain. Solar Eclipse Guide: Europe is set for a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12; partial coverage is expected across parts of the Maghreb including Mauritania, but viewers are warned to use certified eclipse glasses. Mauritania Skills & Jobs: A Canary Islands “Cluster” pilot backed by the Spanish Embassy in Nouakchott trained Mauritanian women in fashion, aiming to boost textile entrepreneurship and reduce dangerous Atlantic migration. Energy Workforce Training: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative for Mauritania, bringing competency management and e-learning programs to the country’s energy and mining sectors. Digital Connectivity: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch, and notes 5G rollout has begun in Mauritania alongside Libya, while regulators push 5G fixed wireless access. Data Center Benchmarking: A sector ranking highlights Morocco’s data center strength, with Uptime Institute’s constructed-facility certifications seen as the real test of resilience. Deradicalization in Practice: Reporting points to Mauritania’s use of state-certified Islamic female spiritual guides (“mourchidates”) deployed in prisons and youth spaces to counter violent extremism.

Climate & Heat Risk: AFP analysis of Copernicus data says about 900 million people worldwide endured their hottest July on record in 2026, with 33 countries breaking records; in the Sahel, Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso were among those hitting new highs. Astronomy for Mauritania: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will be visible as a partial eclipse across parts of North Africa, including Mauritania, with safety warnings to use certified eclipse glasses. Energy Training in Mauritania: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative to bring competency management and e-learning to Mauritania’s energy and mining workforce, including support linked to the GTA LNG project. Uranium & Mining Momentum: Coverage of ASX juniors highlights Aura Energy’s progress on its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania, including work on processing and plans tied to nuclear utility interest. Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch, while noting operators in Libya and Mauritania have begun rolling out 5G services. Skills & Jobs (Textiles): A Canary Islands-backed cluster initiative trained Mauritanian women in fashion and entrepreneurship, aiming to create jobs and reduce dangerous Atlantic migration routes.

Mauritania Energy Skills: IHRDC appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative for Mauritania, bringing competency management and e-learning training to the country’s energy and mining workforce, with regular visits to support local programs. Mauritania Mining Build-Out: Aura Energy’s Tiris project update highlights continued uranium-focused progress in Mauritania, including work on processing flowsheets using proven technology and steps toward further development. Mauritania Climate & Water Tech: A Morocco-led effort is using AI plus aquatic drones, ecological sensors, spectrometry and satellite imagery to detect toxic algal blooms early—an approach that matters for water-scarce regions like Mauritania where late detection can damage freshwater supplies. Regional Heat Pressure: Copernicus-based AFP analysis reports record July temperatures affecting about 900 million people, with Sahel countries including Mauritania among those breaking monthly records—raising urgency for climate resilience and monitoring. Digital Infrastructure Watch: Ookla reports Mauritania is among North African markets beginning 5G rollouts, while Tunisia’s 5G speed slowdown shows how network demand can quickly stress capacity. Security & Community Prevention: Reporting on Mauritania’s use of state-certified Islamic female spiritual guides (mourchidates) points to a homegrown deradicalization model deployed in prisons, schools and youth centers.

Mauritania Energy Skills: IHRDC named IDM Industries as its in-country representative for Mauritania, bringing competency management, e-learning, and instructor-led training to the country’s energy and mining workforce, including support tied to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG ecosystem. Climate & Heat Risk: AFP analysis of Copernicus data says record July temperatures hit regions home to about 900 million people worldwide, with nearly 400 million affected in Africa—Sahel countries including Mauritania among those breaking monthly heat records. Space & Skywatching: A Jordanian astronomy group says a partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the Maghreb, including Mauritania, while warning viewers to use certified eclipse glasses; the same update highlights a 6-planet alignment and an ISS transit for the region. Data & Connectivity: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch, and notes operators in Mauritania have begun rolling out 5G services—useful context for regional network upgrades. Carbon Tracking: A study comparing satellite observations with official reporting flags possible undercounting of emissions from industrial sites, naming a large iron mine in Mauritania as a major gap. Deradicalization in Mauritania: Reporting highlights Mauritania’s use of state-certified female spiritual guides (mourchidates) deployed in prisons and youth spaces to counter extremist recruitment with theological counseling.

Energy & Skills: IHRDC has appointed IDM Industries as its in-country representative in Mauritania, bringing competency management, e-learning, and instructor-led training to the country’s energy and mining workforce, including projects tied to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG push. Climate Pressure: AFP analysis of Copernicus data says around 900 million people across the Sahel, Europe and beyond lived through the hottest July on record, with Mauritania among countries breaking monthly heat records—raising fresh alarms on food and water stress. Solar Science & Public Interest: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will be visible across parts of Europe and Africa, with partial coverage reaching the evening in Africa—fueling renewed skywatching and science outreach. Digital Infrastructure: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch, while Libya and Mauritania have begun rolling out 5G services—highlighting how network demand shapes real-world performance. Mining Emissions Watch: A satellite-based study flags possible undercounted carbon from industrial sources, naming a large iron mine in Mauritania as a gap versus official records. Security & Community Resilience: Reporting highlights Mauritania’s use of state-certified female spiritual guides (mourchidates) to help deradicalize youth in prisons, schools and community spaces.

Textile & Jobs: Ten Mauritanian fashion brands showcased designs at the Spanish Embassy in Nouakchott, finishing a Canary Islands-backed training push under a “Cluster” initiative aimed at creativity, entrepreneurship, and stronger, more professional textile value chains—plus tech support to help reduce reliance on dangerous Atlantic migration routes. Space Science: Mauritania’s “Eye of the Sahara” (Richat Structure) is explained through modern geology, clarifying why the famous concentric rings are not a meteor crater but a natural dome visible from space. 5G in North Africa: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic rose, while Mauritania is also starting 5G rollouts—useful context for regional connectivity and capacity planning. Mining & Powering Tech Supply: Coverage highlights how African critical minerals are drawing investment; Mauritania’s uranium project (Tiris) is cited as progressing, underscoring the link between local resources and global tech demand. Climate Monitoring: Satellite and emissions research flags gaps between reported and observed pollution, naming a large iron mine in Mauritania as a case where industrial sources may be underestimated. Security & Youth De-radicalization: A report spotlights Mauritania’s state-certified female spiritual guides (mourchidates) working in prisons and youth spaces to counter extremist recruitment with mainstream religious education.

Mauritania Tech & Security: Female Islamic spiritual guides (mourchidates) are being used across Mauritania’s prisons, schools and youth centers to counter radicalization and steer young people toward mainstream religious arguments, with the country noted as relatively peaceful since an AQIM attack in 2011. Digital Public Infrastructure: UNDP is pushing blockchain from pilots into wider deployment as part of digital public infrastructure, focusing on governance, interoperability and trust; pilots in several countries reportedly cut blockchain-based digital payment distribution costs sharply. Telecom in North Africa: Ookla reports Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic rose, while 5G fixed wireless access adoption surged—operators in Libya and Mauritania are also rolling out 5G. Climate Monitoring: Satellite checks found major gaps in reported emissions from oil, gas and some mining sites; researchers flag an unrecorded large iron mine in Mauritania and an unrecorded gold mine in Egypt. Local Digital Economy Links: Oman’s OCCI is engaging Mauritania to expand cooperation in digital economy, AI, smart cities, IoT and cybersecurity. US Visa Policy Impact: The US made a visa bond programme permanent, requiring some African applicants to post refundable bonds before B1/B2 visas.

Mauritania’s anti-extremism model: Female state-certified spiritual guides (mourchidates) are being used in prisons, schools and youth centers to counter radical messaging and steer young people toward mainstream Islamic learning. Digital public infrastructure: UNDP says blockchain is moving from pilots to broader deployment as part of digital public infrastructure, focusing on governance, interoperability and trust (including decentralized identity and payments). Mining and tech investment: Aura Energy reports progress on its uranium-focused Tiris project in Mauritania, advancing processing work and partnerships tied to nuclear utility interest. 5G rollout watch (region): Ookla finds Tunisia’s 5G speeds eased after launch as traffic rose; it also notes operators in Libya and Mauritania have begun rolling out 5G. Data centers (region): A new ranking highlights Morocco’s surge in certified data center construction, while stressing that “constructed” resilience certification matters most. Climate monitoring: Satellite checks suggest some northern Africa oil and gas and even major mines may be emitting more CO2 than official records show, including a large iron mine in Mauritania. Digital economy cooperation: OCCI’s Mauritania visit targets AI, smart cities, IoT and cybersecurity partnerships to help Omani firms expand regionally. Immigration policy shift (US): The US makes a visa bond programme permanent, potentially affecting many African travelers with refundable deposits up to $20,000.