Mauritania has signed a landmark $300 million agreement with Iwa Green Energy to develop a 60-megawatt hybrid solar-wind power plant, marking the country’s first Independent Power Producer (IPP) project under the African Development Bank’s Desert to Power initiative. This strategic move signals Mauritania’s deepening commitment to renewable energy and its ambition to transition toward a more sustainable and diversified energy mix. The plant, scheduled for commissioning in September 2026, is expected to boost Mauritania’s installed generation capacity, currently around 450 megawatts, by over 13 percent, while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The project is fully financed by private capital, a significant achievement that allows Mauritania to expand its energy infrastructure without adding to public debt. At the signing ceremony in Nouakchott, Economy and Finance Minister Sid’Ahmed Ould Bouh highlighted the importance of attracting private investment to support the country’s development goals. The hybrid facility will harness both solar and wind resources, leveraging Mauritania’s vast renewable potential and aligning with its target of achieving 70 percent renewable energy by 2030. The Desert to Power initiative, under which the project falls, aims to transform the Sahel region into a renewable energy hub by capitalizing on its abundant solar resources.
Mauritania faces considerable challenges in electrification, particularly in rural areas where fewer than 10 percent of households have access to electricity. The new plant is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding energy access, improving economic resilience, and supporting climate adaptation efforts. By integrating renewable technologies and encouraging private-sector participation, the project sets a precedent for future IPP agreements and demonstrates Mauritania’s readiness to lead in sustainable energy development.
This initiative also reflects broader trends across West Africa, where countries are increasingly turning to hybrid renewable solutions to meet growing energy demands while advancing climate goals. The success of Mauritania’s IPP project will be closely watched by regional stakeholders and international partners, as it may serve as a model for similar ventures in the Sahel and beyond. With this bold step, Mauritania is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s green energy transition, paving the way for inclusive growth and long-term environmental stewardship.