Mauritanian products are set to gain wider access to the Moroccan market as the two neighbouring countries move to deepen trade and economic cooperation, officials said.
The initiative is part of broader efforts by Rabat and Nouakchott to strengthen bilateral relations and boost cross-border commerce, particularly in agriculture, fisheries and livestock products, sectors where Mauritania holds a comparative advantage.
Officials from both countries say the move is intended to facilitate market access for Mauritanian exporters while helping Morocco diversify its sources of supply. It also aligns with wider regional ambitions to promote South–South trade and strengthen economic integration in northwest Africa.
Mauritania’s economy relies heavily on primary commodities, including fishery products, livestock and minerals. Improved access to the Moroccan market is expected to offer new outlets for these goods, support local producers and reduce logistical barriers that have historically limited trade flows between the two countries.
Morocco, for its part, is positioning itself as a regional trade hub linking Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Authorities have repeatedly said closer economic ties with Sahel and West African countries are a strategic priority, both to support regional stability and to expand commercial partnerships.
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Trade between Morocco and Mauritania has grown steadily in recent years, supported by improved transport links and political engagement. The Guerguerat border crossing, a key trade route between the two countries, has become an increasingly important corridor for goods moving between North Africa and West Africa.
Analysts say easing access for Mauritanian products could help formalise trade flows that have long taken place through informal channels, while improving standards, traceability and regulatory oversight.
The development also comes as African countries seek to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers across the continent. Both Morocco and Mauritania have expressed support for the agreement as a tool to expand intra-African trade.
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While officials have not yet disclosed a detailed timeline or a full list of products concerned, further technical discussions are expected to address customs procedures, sanitary standards and logistics requirements.
If implemented smoothly, the move could mark a significant step in strengthening economic links between the two countries and enhancing regional trade integration, at a time when African economies are seeking new growth drivers amid global uncertainty.
