UAE’s leading financial entity, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Mauritania in order to fund a major refurbishment and modernization project worth $6.5 million (Dhs24 million) for the Tanit Fishing Port.
According to the reports, this is an artisanal fishing port that will allow fishermen to benefit from the country’s fisheries economy, enhance export capacity, and contribute to the nation’s food security policy.
The project intends to improve operational efficiency and services for fishermen by offering cooled storage facilities and fish processing services, allowing them to benefit more from Mauritania’s fish-rich coasts.
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi Director General – ADFD
“ADFD and Mauritania have partnered to support the financing of a wide range of high-impact economic and social development projects going back to 1977. The modernization of the Tanit Fishing Port represents an opportunity to directly impact the livelihoods of local fishing families while contributing to national economic growth and several national strategic priorities, including environmental preservation of the Tanit fishery as well as the Mauritania food security strategy.”
Mr. Ousmane Mamoudou Kane, Minister of Economic Affairs and Promotion of Productive Sectors in Mauritania said, “Our partnership with ADFD has been pivotal for our goals to develop and improve strategic infrastructure in Mauritania. This funding will help improve the facilities and service at Tanit Fishing Port, which in turn will contribute to socio-economic development, increase export capacity, and achieve sustainable development.”
The expansion would give local fishermen access to the refrigeration storage and fast freezing units needed to run the Tanit fish processing factory, allowing them to have better access to the fish export market.
Further, the project will improve the safety of maritime navigation into and out of the port, add a 150-square-meter boat repair and maintenance workshop as well as a variety of equipment and facilities to boost port services and efficiencies.
Aside from the Tanit Fishing Port, ADFD has assisted in the financing of some strategic development projects in Mauritania, totaling $99 million (AED363 million). It comprises initiatives in agricultural development, wind power, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and transportation.
