Whether you already live in Mauritania or are part of the diaspora, you are entering a West African economy driven by mining, fishing and a booming gas sector. A country where Arabic is official and French very present at work, Mauritania offers opportunities, notably technical ones. Here is how to find a job there.
Why work in Mauritania?
Because the country has major resources (iron, gold, copper), one of the world's most fish-rich coastlines and a developing gas sector (offshore project with Senegal). The extractive sector recruits technical profiles, and French remains the language of business.
- A major mining country: iron, gold, copper.
- Abundant fishing on a very fish-rich coast.
- A booming gas sector.
- French very present at work and in business.
How does the Mauritanian labor market work?
The formal market, concentrated in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, coexists with an informal sector. Mining, fishing, gas and logistics structure skilled employment, and large companies and international projects hire. Networking plays an important role.
- A formal market concentrated in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
- Skilled employment structured by mining and gas.
- Major international projects that hire.
- A strong weight of networking.
Which sectors hire the most in Mauritania?
- Mining: iron (SNIM), gold, copper.
- Fishing and agribusiness.
- Oil and gas, a developing sector.
- Logistics and transport.
- Construction, trade and services.
Which cities should you target in Mauritania?
- Nouakchott: the capital, services, administration and trade.
- Nouadhibou: the economic capital, fishing and iron.
- Zouérat: a major mining region (iron).
- Kiffa and Rosso: regional hubs.
Work permit: the steps for foreigners
Foreigners need an employment contract and a residence permit. For humanitarian assignments, the steps are often handled by the organization. The diaspora benefits from easier integration through language and networks.
- An employment contract and a residence permit.
- Steps often handled by the employer or NGO.
- Easier integration for the diaspora.
Salaries and cost of living: what to expect
Salaries are notably higher in mining, gas and major international projects. The cost of living remains moderate compared to Europe, more marked in Nouakchott.
- High pay in mining and gas.
- A moderate cost of living.
- A large gap between formal employment and the informal sector.
How to find a job in Mauritania?
- Targeted unsolicited applications (see below).
- Networking and referrals.
- Mining, gas and fishing companies.
- Major international projects and their subcontractors.
The unsolicited application: the key to Mauritania's hidden job market
Many roles are filled through networking, especially in mining, gas and fishing. The unsolicited application lets you target these employers directly and turn your motivation into opportunity, from the country or the diaspora.
- You access roles filled without an ad.
- You target mining, gas and fishing.
- You promote your profile, especially from the diaspora.
- You get ahead of the competition.
Succeeding in your professional integration: our tips
- Target the extractive sector (iron, gold, gas) and fishing.
- Leverage your technical skills.
- French remains an asset at work.
- Activate your network, including the diaspora.
Your next steps to work in Mauritania
Target a city and a sector, prepare a clear CV, then contact employers directly, prioritizing mining, gas and fishing. In a market where networking prevails, initiative makes the difference.