Mauritania has deployed a nationwide artificial intelligence (AI) system to improve road safety, targeting common traffic violations such as vehicle overloading and seat belt non-compliance, authorities announced Friday.
Developed by the State Digital Agency under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization, the AI-based system is now operational across Mauritania’s entire road network. It represents a major step toward modernizing traffic management and reducing accident rates in the country, which have historically been exacerbated by regulatory violations.
“The new system relies on computer vision and image processing technologies to automatically detect traffic infractions in real time,” said a statement from the Ministry. “Smart cameras are capable of identifying vehicles exceeding weight limits and checking seat belt compliance, particularly along intercity routes, where most serious accidents occur.”
In its first phase, the solution specifically addresses two high-risk violations: overloaded vehicles and passengers not wearing seat belts. Vehicle overloading is a significant cause of road accidents in Mauritania, placing undue strain on roads and increasing the severity of crashes. Meanwhile, seat belt violations remain a persistent safety concern, contributing to preventable injuries and fatalities.
The project was developed with close collaboration between the State Digital Agency and engineers from the General Directorate of National Security, which is now responsible for operational management and enforcement oversight. By automating violation detection, authorities aim to reduce reliance on manual inspections and improve the efficiency and accuracy of traffic enforcement.
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According to officials, the system generates automatic alerts and maintains structured data for traceability, allowing authorities to respond quickly to infractions and take appropriate administrative or legal action. The technology is also expected to provide policymakers with comprehensive insights into traffic patterns, violation hotspots, and emerging safety risks, informing long-term road safety strategies.
“This initiative is part of a broader government effort to strengthen road safety nationwide,” said the Ministry of Digital Transformation. “By leveraging AI, we can enhance compliance with traffic regulations, reduce accidents, and ultimately save lives.”
Mauritania has one of the highest rates of road accidents in the region, often linked to overloading, speeding, and non-compliance with basic safety measures. Experts have long advocated for technology-driven solutions to address these challenges, noting that conventional monitoring methods are often limited by manpower and logistical constraints.
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The introduction of AI-based monitoring also aligns with the government’s wider digital transformation agenda, which seeks to integrate advanced technologies into public service delivery, improve administrative efficiency, and modernize infrastructure management. Officials have emphasized that this project demonstrates how digital tools can complement traditional enforcement while ensuring transparency and accountability.
International observers have praised Mauritania’s approach as a model for other countries in Africa facing similar road safety challenges. By combining AI, smart cameras, and data analytics, the system not only enhances enforcement but also provides a foundation for future innovations, such as predictive accident prevention and real-time traffic management.
“The integration of artificial intelligence into road safety represents a significant step forward for Mauritania,” said a local traffic safety expert. “It allows authorities to detect violations that were previously difficult to monitor, encourages compliance, and ultimately reduces the human and economic costs associated with traffic accidents.”
Authorities indicated that the system will continue to expand, incorporating additional traffic violations and integrating with broader national road safety strategies. Public awareness campaigns are also planned to educate drivers on the new measures and emphasize the importance of adherence to safety regulations.
By combining technology, enforcement, and education, Mauritania hopes to significantly curb road accidents and improve safety outcomes across the country, setting an example for innovation-driven traffic management in West Africa.
