AGP Executive Report

Humanitarian Crisis in the Sahel: The UN says about 24 million people across the Sahel need help as violence, displacement and climate shocks worsen conditions in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, northern Cameroon and northeastern Nigeria, with floods, drought and desertification hitting livelihoods and humanitarian funding stuck at just 29% of needs. Trade Pressure on Mauritania: The US proposes a 12.5% tariff on imports from eight African countries, including Mauritania, after a forced-labour compliance review found weak bans or enforcement, adding new strain to already fragile trade. Green Energy Race: Morocco is pushing green hydrogen via its “Offre Maroc” plan, while the wider region—including Mauritania—signals production targets, raising both opportunity and water-risk questions for the energy transition. Saharan Dust Health Alert: Dust from the Sahara is expected to return across the Atlantic, with hazy, drier conditions and respiratory irritation risks for vulnerable groups as it moves toward the Caribbean. Clean Cooking Push: The AfDB announced a clean cooking program aiming to reach about one million households and cut millions of tonnes of CO2 through cleaner energy access. Migration Rescue off Nouakchott: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 110 migrants off the coast of Nouakchott after their boat engine failed in difficult weather, highlighting the dangers of irregular Atlantic crossings. Mauritania Health Policy: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand quality eye care nationwide.

Coastal Rescue in Nouakchott: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 110 West African migrants off the coast near Nouakchott after their boat’s engine broke down in difficult weather; the group included 12 women and three children, with people from Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, highlighting how perilous Atlantic routes remain as Europe tightens visas. Saharan Dust Health Alert: Dust from the Sahara is expected to affect the Caribbean and could reach the United States, bringing hazy skies, drier air, warmer temperatures and limited rainfall, with eye and throat irritation and worse respiratory symptoms—especially for children, the elderly and asthma patients. Clean Cooking Push: The African Development Bank announced a new Clean Cooking Program under its Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility, targeting about one million households and aiming to cut millions of tonnes of CO2 while tackling climate vulnerability and energy access gaps. Eye Care Policy Upgrade: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand equitable, sustainable eye care nationwide. Desertification Warning: A new global report flags that more than three-quarters of land has become permanently drier since the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, with the Sahara expanding southward into Sahel drylands—an urgent backdrop for Mauritania’s climate and land pressures.

Saharan Dust & Health: Forecasts warn that Saharan dust will return to the Caribbean and may reach the United States in the coming weeks, bringing hazy skies, drier air, and higher risks for asthma and other respiratory problems—especially for children and the elderly. Desertification Pressure: A new look at desert advance highlights how drylands are getting drier worldwide, with the Sahara expanding southward into the Sahel and threatening livelihoods. Mauritania Eye Care: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand equitable, quality eye services. Clean Cooking Finance: The AfDB announced a new clean cooking program aiming to reach about one million households and cut millions of tonnes of CO2, using blended financing to scale solutions across Africa. Mining & Climate-Linked Development: The World Bank is expanding support for mining activities as demand for critical minerals rises, while pushing for jobs and local value creation. Regional Security & Sahel Strain: Coverage on Mali’s Islamist insurgency describes how groups are intensifying pressure on state control and local economies.

Desertification & Sahel Drying: A new UN-linked warning says more than three-quarters of land has become permanently drier since 1996, with the Sahara pushing south into Sahel drylands—an urgent backdrop for Mauritania’s land and water stress. Clean Cooking Push: The AfDB announced a Clean Cooking Program under its Rome Process/Mattei Plan, targeting about one million households and aiming to cut millions of tonnes of CO2—clean energy as a climate and health priority. Mauritania Health Policy: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative, expanding equitable eye care services. Saharan Dust Forecast: Meteorologists warn Saharan dust could sweep across the Caribbean and possibly reach the United States, with Mauritania, Senegal and Mali flagged as key sources—bad air quality risk for the region. Mining & Climate Finance Signals: The World Bank and AfDB spotlight how minerals can drive jobs and growth, while investors push for more infrastructure funding—relevant as Mauritania weighs development alongside environmental safeguards. Regional Security Context: UN updates keep Nigeria and extremist groups on sanctions lists, underscoring ongoing instability across West Africa that can worsen climate vulnerability.

Desertification & the Sahel: A new UN-linked report warns the Sahara is pushing south, with more than three-quarters of land now “permanently drier” since the Desertification Convention began—raising fresh pressure on Mauritania’s drylands and livelihoods. Saharan dust & weather impacts: Meteorologists say Saharan dust is returning, with large plumes expected to cross the Caribbean and possibly reach the United States, and satellite images point to Mauritania, Senegal and Mali as key sources—dust can also weaken tropical storm development. Mauritania health policy: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative, aiming to expand equitable, sustainable eye care nationwide. Mining, jobs & climate-linked risk: The World Bank is scaling support for minerals in developing economies, arguing demand could double by 2040 and that benefits depend on governance, infrastructure and private investment—an issue for Mauritania’s resource future. Regional security pressures: Coverage on the Sahel crisis highlights how Islamist groups exploit instability and security gaps, including fuel and economic blockades that can worsen environmental and economic stress.

Desertification & Sahel Drying: A new UN-backed warning says more than three-quarters of land has become permanently drier since the 1990s, with the Sahara expanding southward into Sahel drylands—raising fresh pressure on Mauritania’s land and livelihoods. Saharan Dust Forecast: Meteorologists warn Saharan dust will surge westward across the Caribbean and could reach the United States in coming weeks, with Mauritania, Senegal and Mali named in the dust plume—an air-quality and health concern for the region. Mauritania Health Policy: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative, aiming to expand equitable, sustainable eye care nationwide. Mining & Climate Finance Signals: The World Bank says mineral demand could double by 2040 and is pushing countries to turn mining into jobs via governance, infrastructure and private investment—while Kinross published its 2025 Sustainability Report, spotlighting “People, Planet and Efficiency.” Sahara Maritime Fueling: Sahara Group began bunkering operations in Mauritania after a 2026 licence, boosting port competitiveness with marine fuel supply for vessels.

Desertification Watch: A new UN-backed account warns the Sahara is expanding fast, with more than three-quarters of land reported “permanently drier” since 1996 and the desert pushing south into Sahel drylands. Saharan Dust Alert: Meteorologists say Saharan Air Layer dust could sweep across the Caribbean and possibly reach the United States, with Mauritania, Senegal and Mali highlighted as key sources—dust can also suppress tropical storms. Health Policy: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand equitable, quality eye care nationwide. Maritime & Fuel Services: Sahara Group started bunkering in Mauritania after a 2026 licence, using a tanker offshore Nouadhibou to supply marine fuels and boost the Atlantic trade corridor. Land Restoration Momentum: Coverage highlights the Great Green Wall’s 20-year push—aiming to restore degraded land, capture carbon, and create green jobs across Sahel countries including Mauritania. Press Freedom Context: A global map from RSF shows press freedom at a 25-year low, with most countries now facing “difficult” or “very serious” conditions for independent journalism.

Desertification Watch: A new UN-backed account warns the Sahara is expanding fast, with more than three-quarters of land reported “permanently drier” since 1996—pushing desertification south into Sahel drylands and threatening livelihoods across Mauritania’s wider region. Saharan Dust & Weather Impacts: Meteorologists say Saharan Air Layer dust could surge westward over the next two weeks, reaching the Caribbean and possibly the United States, while also suppressing tropical storm development—dust columns visible from Mauritania, Senegal and Mali. Health Policy (Mauritania): Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative, aiming to expand equitable, sustainable eye care nationwide. Maritime & Energy Services: Sahara Group began bunkering operations in Mauritania after a 2026 licence, positioning a bunker tanker offshore Nouadhibou to supply marine fuels and boost port competitiveness along the Atlantic corridor. Climate-Linked Food & Livestock Pressure: A regional report links war, export bans and warming-climate shocks to a broken Sahel livestock trade, with Eid al-Adha cattle prices rising sharply and fewer people able to afford meat. Governance & Information Climate: A global press-freedom map flags a 25-year low, with over half of countries now facing “difficult” or “very serious” conditions—an indirect risk for environmental accountability and public health messaging.

Desertification in the Sahel: A new UN-linked report warns the Sahara is pushing south, with more than three-quarters of land becoming “permanently drier” since the Desertification Convention began—raising risks for Mauritania’s drylands and livelihoods. Saharan dust surge: Meteorologists say Saharan Air Layer dust will return across the Atlantic over the next two weeks, potentially reaching the Caribbean and the United States, while also affecting regional air quality and weather patterns. Mauritania’s maritime fuel boost: Sahara Group has started bunkering operations in Mauritania after winning a 2026 licence, using a bunker tanker offshore Nouadhibou to supply marine fuels and strengthen the Atlantic trade corridor. Nouakchott social services: Qatar Charity inaugurated a multi-service center in Toujounine, Nouakchott, combining education, health, Islamic services and community facilities. Climate-smart farming in Mauritania: Chinese experts have promoted juncao and alfalfa varieties suited to sandy environments under a livestock technology project, aiming to improve feed options in arid conditions. Land restoration push: Coverage highlights the Great Green Wall’s 20-year push to plant vegetation corridors across Sahel countries including Mauritania to slow desert advance and restore degraded land.

Desertification in focus: A new report warns the Sahara is expanding southward, with UN data saying over three-quarters of land has become permanently drier since the 1990s—raising fresh alarms for Mauritania and the Sahel. Saharan dust forecast: Meteorologists say dust clouds from Mauritania, Senegal and Mali will push across the Atlantic over the next two weeks, potentially reaching the Caribbean and the United States, while also affecting tropical storm development. Great Green Wall: Coverage marks the Great Green Wall’s 20-year push to restore degraded lands and slow desert advance, highlighting Mauritania’s role in the Sahel-wide vegetation corridor. Mauritania maritime fuel boost: Sahara Group begins bunkering operations in Nouadhibou after a 2026 licence, supplying marine fuel to vessels and strengthening Mauritania’s Atlantic trade corridor. Nouakchott community services: Qatar Charity inaugurates a multi-service center in Toujounine, combining education, health and other support for local residents. Climate-linked agriculture: Chinese experts promote desert-suited livestock and forage projects in Mauritania, including juncao and alfalfa varieties for sandy environments.

Desertification & Sahel risk: A new UN-linked report warns the Sahara is expanding southward, with more than three-quarters of land becoming “permanently drier” since 1996—raising pressure on Mauritania’s drylands and livelihoods. Saharan dust forecast: Meteorologists say Saharan Air Layer dust will surge west from Mauritania, Senegal and Mali, crossing the Caribbean and possibly reaching the United States in the coming weeks—while dust can also suppress tropical storms. Mauritania’s maritime fuel push: Sahara Group has started bunkering operations in Mauritania after a 2026 licence, using a bunker tanker offshore Nouadhibou to supply MGO and VLSFO—aiming to boost port competitiveness and turnaround times. Nouakchott social services: Qatar Charity inaugurated a multi-service center in Toujounine, Nouakchott, combining education, healthcare, Islamic services and community facilities. Water sustainability theme: Africa Day 2026 spotlights “Water Sustainability,” underscoring how scarcity and poor management remain major climate-linked challenges across the continent. Energy stress in the region: Heatwaves and the Iran war are straining power and fuel markets, with knock-on risks for electricity reliability and costs.

Desertification & Sahel risk: A new report warns the Sahara is expanding fast, with UN data saying more than three-quarters of land has become permanently drier since 1996—pushing desertification south into the Sahel, including Mauritania’s drylands. Saharan dust & health impacts: Meteorologists say Saharan Air Layer dust is returning, with large columns likely to cross the Atlantic, reach the Caribbean, and possibly the United States—dust can also weaken tropical storm development. Heatwave-driven energy strain: A severe heatwave in Asia is colliding with an Iran-related energy crunch, stressing power grids and raising the risk of wider shortages—an indirect warning for climate-linked energy vulnerability. Mauritania’s maritime fuel push: Sahara Group has started bunkering operations in Mauritania after winning a 2026 licence, using a bunker tanker offshore Nouadhibou to supply marine fuels and boost port competitiveness. Water & land restoration: The Great Green Wall’s 20-year push is highlighted as a Sahel-wide effort involving Mauritania to restore degraded land and slow desert advance. Nouakchott social services: Qatar Charity inaugurated a multi-service center in Toujounine, Nouakchott, adding education, health, and community services.

Desertification in the Sahel: A new report warns the Sahara is expanding southward, with UN data saying more than three-quarters of land has become permanently drier since 1996—raising fresh alarm for Mauritania’s drylands and livelihoods. Great Green Wall momentum: As the Great Green Wall turns 20, coverage highlights the Sahel “vegetation corridor” plan—aimed at restoring degraded land, boosting biodiversity, and creating green jobs, including Mauritania’s role. Nouakchott social services: Qatar Charity inaugurated a multi-service center in Toujounine, Nouakchott North, offering education, health, Islamic services and community facilities. Mauritania’s maritime fuel push: Sahara Group began bunkering operations in Mauritania after a 2026 licence, positioning Nouadhibou for faster ship refuelling with marine gasoil and low-sulphur fuel. Sahel livestock squeeze: A West Africa report links jihadist predation, export bans and climate shocks to soaring livestock prices and fewer buyers across markets from Lagos to Niger. Africa Day water focus: Africa Day 2026 coverage spotlights the AU theme of water sustainability amid widespread water insecurity.

Desertification Watch: A new report warns the Sahara is expanding fast, with UN data saying more than three-quarters of land has become permanently drier since 1996—pushing desertification south into Sahel drylands and threatening livelihoods across the region. Sahel Restoration: The Great Green Wall’s 20-year push is highlighted as a Sahel-wide effort led by countries including Mauritania to restore degraded land, boost native vegetation, and create green jobs. Mauritania Energy & Trade: Sahara Group has started bunkering operations in Mauritania after winning a 2026 licence, using a bunker tanker offshore Nouadhibou to supply marine fuels and strengthen the Atlantic shipping corridor. Nouakchott Social Services: Qatar Charity inaugurated a new multi-service center in Toujounine, Nouakchott, combining education, health, Islamic services, and community facilities. Climate-Linked Food Pressure: A regional livestock-trade story links jihadist predation, export bans, and climate shocks to soaring cattle prices—making Eid slaughter a luxury for many.

Desertification & Sahel Drying: A new report warns the Sahara is expanding southward, with UN data saying more than three-quarters of land has become permanently drier since the 1990s—raising pressure on Mauritania’s drylands and livelihoods. Carbon Pricing in Mauritania: The World Bank says carbon pricing is spreading, and notes Mauritania among countries that have implemented emissions trading or carbon taxes as part of climate-goal efforts. Mauritania Bunkering Boost: Sahara Group has started bunkering in Mauritania after winning a 2026 licence, with a bunker tanker offshore Nouadhibou supplying marine fuels—aimed at improving port competitiveness and trade along the Atlantic corridor. Great Green Wall Momentum: Coverage highlights the Great Green Wall’s 20-year push across Sahel countries including Mauritania, focused on restoring degraded land, boosting vegetation, and creating green jobs. Nouakchott Social Services: Qatar Charity inaugurated a multi-service center in Nouakchott, adding education, health, and community services—supporting resilience where climate stress hits hardest.

Minerals-to-jobs push: The World Bank Group says mineral demand could double by 2040, but wealth only turns into broad jobs when countries get governance, infrastructure, and private investment right—highlighting examples like locally hired workers at Argentina’s Rincon lithium project and long-running jobs in Mongolia’s Oyu Tolgoi. Mauritania energy logistics: Sahara Group has started bunkering operations in Mauritania after winning a 2026 licence, with a bunker tanker offshore Nouadhibou ready to supply cleaner fuels to ships—aimed at boosting port competitiveness and trade along the Atlantic corridor. Infrastructure financing debate: At AfDB meetings, African leaders backed asset recycling to fund new projects without raising taxes or piling on debt, as budgets tighten. Climate finance signal: A World Bank report says global carbon pricing raised $107bn in 2025, with new systems including Mauritania. Local social services: Qatar Charity inaugurated a multi-service center in Nouakchott, bundling education, health, and Islamic services.