The OECD.AI Policy Navigator

The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy of Mauritania 2024–2029 presents a national vision to leverage artificial intelligence as a driver of digital transformation, economic development and improved public services. It responds to both the opportunities offered by AI and the current challenges facing Mauritania, including limited competitiveness, gaps in innovation capacity and the need to modernise the management of data and public resources. The strategy aims to position Mauritania as an active participant in the global AI landscape while ensuring benefits for citizens and sustainable development.

The strategy is structured around five strategic priorities, which serve as its main axes. These priorities focus on enhancing human capacities in artificial intelligence and data science, promoting research and innovation in AI, strengthening regional and international cooperation, establishing robust data governance for AI, and addressing ethical issues related to AI use. Each priority is linked to defined objectives and measures, including training and certification programmes, support for universities and entrepreneurship, creation of centres of excellence, secure data collection and sharing, and compliance with data protection regulations.

The strategy seeks to resolve identified weaknesses such as skills shortages, limited research infrastructure, fragmented data practices and the absence of established AI governance mechanisms. At the same time, it builds on emerging assets, including Mauritania’s digital transformation agenda, interest in AI‑enabled sectoral projects, and willingness to engage in international cooperation and responsible AI initiatives. Priority sectors for AI applications are explicitly identified as healthcare, education, agriculture, fishing, transport, energy and defence, where AI is expected to support resource optimisation, service quality and national security.

Implementation is led by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Innovation and Modernization of Administration. Ethical considerations are addressed through a dedicated strategic priority on AI ethics, with objectives focused on compliance with data protection regulations and strengthened cooperation in AI regulation. The strategy sets measurable elements, including five strategic priorities, twelve objectives and thirty measures, which together provide a structured framework for deploying AI in Mauritania over the 2024–2029 period.