- Risk key
- Low
- MODERATELY LOW
- MODERATE
- MODERATELY HIGH
- HIGH
Mauritania Corruption Report
Snapshot
Corruption is an obstacle to business in Mauritania. All sectors of the economy suffer from pervasive corruption. Licenses and permits are often obtained through bribery or clientelistic networks, and the same applies for obtaining public contracts, particularly in the country’s extractive industries. The political landscape is dominated by deeply entrenched patronage networks with stakes in the economy, so practices of favoritism are common. Mauritania’s investment climate is further hampered by administrative barriers and an inefficient legal system. Corruption offenses are criminalized under the country’s Penal Code (in French) and encompass both the public and the private sectors. However, laws are poorly enforced, and government officials engage in corruption with impunity. Unofficial payments and gifts are widespread practices in Mauritania.