Mauritania Roundup: Renewable energy collaboration, first Islamist candidate, divorce market
Tax breaks for green hydrogen developers
Mauritania is preparing to offer major tax breaks to green hydrogen developers as part of its upcoming hydrogen law. Hydrogeninsight reports that the law will include nine tax exemptions or reductions for developers and grant operating licenses for 35 years. The Northwest African nation aims to become a major exporter of renewable hydrogen to Europe and is committed to playing a leading role in the global green hydrogen economy.
Cancellation of increased tax on Moroccan imports
Mauritania has cancelled a tax increase on Moroccan agricultural imports, providing relief to the sector and consumers. The decision is estimated to save 23,000 dirhams ($6,262) per truck and prevent a 60% decrease in exports to Mauritania. According to Yabiladi, the cancellation comes after warnings about its impact on purchasing power. In February, Nani Ould Chrougha, the Minister of Oil, Mines, and Government Spokesperson, confidently declared, "Mauritania won't require vegetable imports throughout the month of Ramadan," emphasising trust in local production to satisfy domestic needs.
Divorce market
Mauritania has a high divorce rate and it is surprisingly celebrated. Additionally, women have a higher chance of finding new love than single women. This is because men in this country strangely prefer marrying divorcees, as they believe women become more beautiful and experienced after separation. To remain active and appear unfazed by a divorce, Tuko highlights that divorced women in Mauritania sell their ex-husbands' items at a market to start afresh and find new love. They do this at 'The Divorce Market' where divorcees meet to sell their previous marriage items and start new businesses.
First Islamist candidate in 15 years
On Thursday, May 2, the Islamist opposition party of Mauritania announced its participation in the upcoming presidential election slated for June 29, marking the first time in 15 years it has nominated a candidate for the position, AFP reports. Hamadi Ould Sid' El Moctar will be the National Rally for Reform and Development candidate, also known as Tewassoul. Since its legalization in 2007, Tewassoul has emerged as the primary opposition party in the Mauritanian parliament, boasting 11 out of 176 MPs. Notably, Tewassoul abstained from the 2014 presidential election and backed an external candidate in 2019.
Saudi Arabia and Mauritania sign MOU on renewable energy
Saudi Arabia and Mauritania have agreed to collaborate on renewable energy and clean hydrogen initiatives. SolarQuarter explains that the agreement aims to share knowledge and identify collaboration opportunities in solar, wind, and geothermal energy. It also seeks to improve energy efficiency and explore opportunities for joint project development. A report by the International Energy Agency suggests that Mauritania has ample wind and solar resources that could contribute to achieving universal electricity access and sustainable economic growth. The report also explores the potential benefits of expanding the nation’s renewable energy capabilities.
