E-Government Development in Mauritania

The Ministry of Digital Transition, Innovation and Public Sector Modernization (MTNIMA) is the main government body responsible for implementing the Administrative Modernization Strategy 2024–2027. It plays a key role in reshaping state governance in Mauritania. According to Decree No. 127-2021, it is responsible for designing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating national policies on digital transition, innovation, and administrative reform.

At the heart of its mission is the development and implementation of a national strategy to improve how public services function. The Ministry works to draft and harmonize regulations in this field, ensuring consistency across institutions. It also coordinates institutional reforms within central government bodies, in close collaboration with other ministries.

Technology is central to these efforts. Digital tools help simplify procedures, boost productivity, improve service quality, and reduce costs. The Ministry also develops policies to promote good governance and create better communication between public services and citizens.

Alongside its policy role, the Ministry oversees and monitors a range of public and mixed-sector institutions operating in its domain. These include:

• Mauritanian Postal Company (MAURIPOST);
• Company for the Development of Digital Infrastructure (SDIN);
• Center for Distance Training and Exchange (CFED);
• Telecommunications Regulatory Authority;
• International Mauritanian Telecom (IMT);
• Mauritanian Development Portal (PMD).

Moreover, the State Digital Agency (ANETA) operates under the MTNIMA. Created in 2021 with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ANETA supports the implementation of Mauritania’s national digital strategy. Its work focuses on developing and applying digital standards across public administration, expanding access to simple and inclusive e-government services, promoting digital literacy among civil servants and citizens, and encouraging the reuse and interoperability of digital systems.

In the field of personal data, an important regulator is the Personal Data Protection Authority (APD). Composed of nine members appointed for their legal and technical expertise, APD ensures that data processing complies with national standards.

It informs individuals and data controllers of their rights and duties, processes prior declarations, handles complaints, and can report violations to the public prosecutor or take legal action. It conducts inspections, imposes sanctions, and issues official opinions. The authority also manages a public register of data processing activities, approves codes of conduct, and regulates cross-border data transfers. 

Additionally, APD advises on data protection practices, proposes legal improvements, cooperates with international counterparts, and submits an annual report to the Prime Minister, Parliament, and the Minister responsible for electronic communications.

Another key regulatory body in the ICT sector is the High Council for Digital Affairs (HCN), an advisory institution under the authority of the Prime Minister. According to Decree No. 2023-117, HCN is tasked with advising the government on all issues related to digital technologies, their development, use, and associated risks. Its main role is to guide national policies and strategies that involve digital components, ensuring they promote trust in technology and contribute to inclusive economic and social development. The Council provides expert opinions on draft policies before their adoption, supports the government throughout their design, implementation, and evaluation, and issues recommendations to strengthen digital skills, infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

Moreover, HCN encourages public-private partnerships and advises on the organization, missions, and governance of institutions in the ICT field, including proposals for their creation or restructuring. It identifies obstacles and threats to digital development and security and proposes appropriate measures. The Council also plays a role in enhancing Mauritania’s position in international digital forums and may be assigned additional responsibilities by the government in matters related to ICT.

Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Law

Law No. 2016-07 of 20 January 2016 on Cybercrime

The law outlines Mauritania’s legal framework for combating cybercrime. It defines offenses targeting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and IT systems, as well as crimes involving illegal content, digital property, and threats to national defense and security.

It also addresses the liability of legal entities, sets out additional penalties, and establishes procedures and jurisdiction for prosecuting cyber offenses. Finally, the law commits Mauritania to international cooperation in cybercrime investigations and the collection of electronic evidence, in line with relevant international agreements.

Law No. 2023-02/P.R/ authorizing the ratification of the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection

The convention outlines national measures to strengthen cybersecurity and combat cybercrime. It defines the responsibilities of states in securing digital infrastructure, sets expectations for preventive and response mechanisms, and includes criminal provisions targeting offenses such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and misuse of digital systems.

Some provisions related to cybersecurity are also included in Law No. 2018-022 on Electronic Transactions. However, the National Digital Security Strategy 2022–2025 notes that Mauritania still needs to strengthen its legislative framework in this area.

Data Privacy Law

Law No. 2017-020 on the Protection of Personal Data

This law defines the principles for processing personal data in Mauritania, including special rules for sensitive data, cross-border transfers, and data interconnection. It outlines the necessary steps before data processing—such as declarations, authorizations, and exemptions—and specifies when approval from the Personal Data Protection Authority (APD) is required.

It sets clear obligations for data controllers regarding confidentiality, security, retention, and data integrity. Individuals are granted key rights, including access, correction, deletion, and the ability to object to processing. The law also details the role and powers of the APD, including its authority to monitor compliance and impose administrative or criminal sanctions.

Law No. 2023-02/P.R/ authorizing the ratification of the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection

In the field of personal data protection, the convention provides a detailed framework for how personal information must be handled. It defines the rights of individuals—such as access, correction, and consent—and sets out clear obligations for data controllers, including confidentiality, security, and transparency. The convention also establishes an institutional structure to oversee compliance, resolve disputes, and enforce rules, ensuring both legal safeguards and institutional accountability in the management of personal data.

Certain provisions related to personal data protection are also included in Decree No. 2022-021/PM on the retention and filtering of electronic data and in Law No. 2024-011/PR on the identification of subscribers to publicly available electronic communications services and the use of such services.

E-Government Standards

Regulatory standards for e-government have not yet been developed.

E-Government Interoperability Framework

A formal interoperability framework for e-government systems has not yet been established.

Electronic Signature Law

Law No. 2018-022/PR/ on Electronic Transactions 

Mauritania does not yet have a standalone law on electronic signatures, but their definition and conditions of use are addressed in Law No. 2018-022, which focuses on securing electronic transactions. An electronic signature is described as data in electronic form that is attached to or logically associated with other electronic data and used to identify the signatory.

Chapter VIII, Section 2 of the law outlines how electronic signatures can be used and recognized. It confirms that no one can be required to sign electronically, though public authorities may do so under certain regulatory conditions. Electronic signatures are legally valid if they clearly identify the signatory and indicate agreement to the content of the document; when used by a public official, they also establish the document’s authenticity.

The law sets out the criteria for a signature to be considered reliable and explains that electronic signatures cannot be dismissed simply because they are in digital form or lack a particular type of certification. It also provides basic technical standards for the creation and verification of electronic signatures, including conditions for security, data integrity, and certification of the tools used.

AI Regulations

Regulations in the field of artificial intelligence have not yet been established, but Mauritania has developed the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025–2029.

Mauritania’s engagement with the digital sector began with the adoption of the National Strategy and Master Plan for ICT Development (2002–2006), which marked the country’s first steps toward integration into the information society and knowledge economy. This initiative led to the introduction of a government fiber-optic intranet and the creation of information and collaboration systems. As noted in later strategies, however, the program experienced significant delays, and many planned activities were not implemented until 2010.

Mauritania’s public administration reform gained momentum with the launch of the National Strategy for the Modernization of Public Administration and ICT (2012–2016). The strategy marked a shift toward digitalizing government functions to improve access, efficiency, and responsiveness.

One of the main components was the development of e-Government, not just through technological infrastructure but also by putting in place the legal and institutional frameworks necessary to manage and sustain it. This involved creating dedicated oversight bodies, defining clear regulatory standards, and developing a unified digital platform to support transactional public services. Efforts also focused on connecting public institutions via high-speed networks, equipping them with the necessary tools, and providing a core set of standardized applications. Expanding online services and developing local digital content were seen as key to increasing accessibility and relevance.

To guide implementation, the strategy proposed the creation of a high-level e-Government Committee (CGOV) to replace earlier, less effective coordination structures. Financing was expected through a mix of revised telecom operator contributions, public-private partnerships, and allocations from the national investment budget, with the long-term goal of building more efficient and sustainable public service delivery.

As part of ongoing efforts in the ICT sector, Mauritania developed the Strategy for the Promotion of Broadband and Universal Access in 2019. Closely aligned with the National Strategy for Accelerated Growth and Shared Prosperity (SCAPP) 2016–2030, it outlines practical steps to improve connectivity and digital inclusion across the country.

The strategy targets wider broadband coverage, lower internet costs, and improved access in remote areas. It prioritizes connecting schools and public services, expanding the use of digital tools in government, and supporting local innovation. It also addresses cybersecurity, equipment recycling, and the role of public-private partnerships in expanding digital infrastructure and services.

In 2022, Mauritania launched the National Digital Transition Agenda 2022–2025, structured around four strategic priorities: expanding digital infrastructure, modernizing public administration, supporting sectoral digital transformation, and fostering e-business and innovation.

The Digital Administration component focuses on making public services more efficient, transparent, and user-oriented. It includes four key initiatives: developing end-to-end digital services for citizens and businesses, building an integrated administration through interoperable systems, pooling common IT infrastructure and services, and establishing a framework for open data and civic participation.

A total of 13 projects have been identified under this pillar, with an estimated cost of 29.2 million euros (approximately 31.7 million US dollars). Funding is distributed across public-private partnerships (34%), development partners (32%), and the state budget (34%). Major projects include a national e-services platform, digital ID system, a high-speed government intranet, national cloud infrastructure, an eProcurement system, and open data and eParticipation platforms to support transparency and accountability.

In addition to this, in 2022–2023, the Ministry of Digital Transition, Innovation and Public Sector Modernization (MTNIMA) developed several sector-specific strategies, including the National Digital Security Strategy 2022–2025, the National Policy on Electronic Participation, the National Strategy for Open and Interoperable Data, and the IPv6 Transition Strategy. 

In the field of e-Government, the current guiding framework is the Modernization Strategy of Public Administration 2024–2027, which sets out a structured approach to improving state performance, service delivery, and institutional coordination. The strategy is built around four strategic axes:

• Axis I: Strengthening the strategic and regulatory role of the state
  Focuses on improving public policymaking through legal reforms, standardized procedures, and mechanisms for policy evaluation, coordination, and project prioritization. It also explores the selective outsourcing of public functions and the redefinition of state-entity relationships.
• Axis II: Reorganizing administrative structures and workflows
  Aims to modernize administrative functioning through updated reorganization processes, implementation of results-based budgeting (LOLF), and a renewed focus on decentralization, including institutional incentives and monitoring tools.
• Axis III: Enhancing human resource management
  Targets improved HR systems with the introduction of integrated personnel management, performance-based tools, pay reform, mobility programs, and capacity-building mechanisms, particularly for local and under-resourced services.
• Axis IV: Improving service quality
  Seeks to make services more accessible and citizen-centered by introducing a national user charter, digital platforms for complaints and feedback, one-stop service points, process simplification, digitalization of procedures, and measures to combat corruption.

The strategy is led by a Steering Committee chaired by the Prime Minister, with key ministries as members and the Ministry of Digital Transition, Innovation and Public Sector Modernization (MTNIMA) acting as secretariat, supported by a technical committee.

The most recent and forward-looking initiative is the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2029, adopted in 2024, which aims to harness AI for sustainable development and technological leadership. The strategy focuses on building national capacity, promoting research and innovation, strengthening data governance, and ensuring ethical AI use. It outlines practical applications of AI in key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, fishing, transport, energy, and defense, with the goal of improving service delivery, optimizing resource management, and enhancing national competitiveness.

In Mauritania, digital identification (e-ID) is managed through the mobile application Houwiyeti (“my identity” from Arabic), developed under the authority of the National Agency for the Civil Registry and Secure Documents (ANRPTS). This system enables both citizens and legal residents to access and present their digital identity, including the identities of their children over the age of six.

The e-ID consists of a set of QR codes digitally signed by ANRPTS, containing authenticated personal information such as full name, nationality, photograph, and other standard identity details. These digital credentials are legally recognized and are designed to be tamper-proof thanks to a secure digital signature mechanism established by ANRPTS.

In addition to digital IDs, digital civil status certificates (e.g. birth, marriage, divorce, death) are available in PDF format via Houwiyeti, also signed with two QR codes that ensure data authenticity. These documents mirror their paper counterparts and are issued in both official languages: Arabic and French.

Document verification can be carried out in three ways:

1. Online, via the ANRPTS website by uploading or scanning the document containing QR codes.
2. Offline, using the Houwiyeti mobile app, which allows users to scan QR codes and verify the authenticity without internet access.
3. Via SDK (Software Development Kit), which allows third-party systems to integrate document verification functionalities through a developer toolkit provided by ANRPTS.

Source: Houwiyeti mobile app

To register on the teledeclaration and telepayment system (STT) platform, users must first obtain a teledeclarant number (NTD). Once logged in, they can submit their corporate income tax declaration and VAT declaration.

To make payments, users must add their bank card details. The associated account must then be authorized for online payment by their bank.

Source: Direction Générale des Impôts 

ICT adoption in Mauritania’s education sector remains modest, with several strategic documents recognizing its importance but implementation still developing. While overall integration is limited, a number of concrete initiatives have been launched in recent years, reflecting growing institutional engagement with digital transformation in education.

The Strategy for Accelerated Growth and Shared Prosperity (SCAPP) 2016–2030 and the 2019 Strategy for Broadband and Universal Access underscore the importance of digital inclusion, particularly through improved school connectivity and basic ICT training for educators. Other frameworks, such as the National Digital Security Strategy (2022–2025) and the National Strategy for the Modernization of Public Administration and ICT (2012–2016), include support for e-learning and awareness activities. However, a formal national framework for digital skills development is still lacking.

In 2020, the online learning platform TAALIMI (“education” from Arabic) was launched. It provides educational materials in both text and video formats across five sections: college, lycée, fundamental education, teacher training colleges (Écoles Normales d’Instituteurs), and higher teacher education institutions (Écoles Normales Supérieures). The interface is available in French and Arabic, while most of the available educational materials are in French. Some sections of the website are empty.

Source: Ministère de l’Education et de la Réforme du Système de l’Enseignement

In 2021, the government established the Centre for Distance Training and Exchange (CFED) to promote remote learning and strengthen ICT capacity. Despite its mandate, CFED lacks an independent web presence, and no publicly available information on successful implementations is currently accessible.

A small number of digital public services are available through the website of the Ministry of Digital Transition, Innovation and Public Sector Modernization (MTNIMA). These include platforms for submitting national examination applications and applying for public sector jobs. An administrative procedures portal provides descriptions of services under the Ministry of Education but does not offer functional online service delivery.

Recently, two initiatives have been launched to advance digital education. The Digital School project, introduced in 2024, outlines a national digital education roadmap and includes pilot schools with fiber-optic internet and training for digital education instructors. A second initiative, announced in 2025, focuses on a digital platform for the continuous training of primary school teachers, supported by offline access infrastructure and content development plans. Both initiatives are at an early stage.

ICT is gradually playing a more prominent role in Mauritania’s education sector. While the number of available online services and opportunities for digital learning remains limited, several promising initiatives are underway.

Established in 2018, YATA Médical is a private company and the first telemedicine provider in Mauritania officially authorized by the Ministry of Health. It offers a range of digital health services aimed at facilitating access to care through a centralized platform.

The service includes online medical consultations, appointment management, and home healthcare visits by doctors or nurses. It also integrates biometric sensors for remote health monitoring, allowing patients to track vital signs in real time. YATA Médical supports both individuals and healthcare facilities by providing digital tools that simplify patient follow-up and administrative processes.

Source: Yata Médical

Information about Ministry of Health services is available on the MTNIMA website, but the services themselves cannot be accessed or completed online.

In October 2023, a draft digital health strategy and operational plan was published, followed by a government announcement in November 2024 of a national e-health strategy planned through 2030. The initiative aims to modernize healthcare and expand access through digital tools. However, no official strategy has been released to date.

Moreover, as part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Accelerator Lab in Mauritania is developing a digital application that improves access to healthcare services, aiming to modernize the health system and bridge service delivery gaps through technology.

Mauritania has taken initial steps toward e-Justice through targeted digital initiatives aimed at improving access to legal services and strengthening transparency.

In October 2023, the government launched Himayti (“protection” from Arabic), an online platform for submitting and tracking human rights complaints. Managed by the Commissioner for Human Rights, the platform allows users to file grievances at any time and from any location. It is designed to streamline complaint processing and strengthen engagement between citizens and public authorities. Himayeti complements a national hotline for reporting human trafficking and migrant smuggling and aligns with the national human rights strategy.

Source: Himayti

Further progress was made in March 2025 with the digitalization of criminal records. Citizens can now request and receive their casier judiciaire online via the Houwiyeti app or Khidmati portal, eliminating the need for in-person visits to judicial offices. This development reflects a broader effort to modernize the justice sector and expand access to legal documents through digital channels.

Mauritania has not yet implemented e-Election technologies. However, in December 2023, the Ministry of Digital Transition, Innovation and Public Sector Modernization (MTNIMA) developed a National Policy on Electronic Participation aimed at strengthening digital civic engagement.

The policy seeks to provide online tools that enable citizens to follow parliamentary activity and take part in decision-making processes. It emphasizes inclusive participation, particularly among youth, women, and rural populations, and aims to enhance Mauritania’s international standing in ICT and global e-participation indices.

Mauritania has not yet implemented a Government Service Bus, but the country is moving toward greater system integration. In June 2023, the government released the National Strategy for Open and Interoperable Data, which identifies the establishment of an interoperability framework as one of its key priorities. This framework is intended to enable more efficient data exchange between government entities and lay the groundwork for coordinated digital service delivery.

e-Procurement

In Mauritania, e-Procurement functions are carried out through the Moudoun platform, which provides access to completed tenders, procurement notices, shortlists, clarification responses, and supplier registration.

Source: Moudon platform

Business and Company Registration System

Company registration in Mauritania is handled through the Guichet Unique des Entreprises operated by the Mauritania Investment Promotion Agency (APIM). This one-stop shop centralizes all administrative procedures for business creation in Nouakchott, including registration with the commercial registry, tax authorities, and the national social security fund.

To register a company, applicants first visit the information desk for guidance, then submit a completed unified application form along with required documents based on the legal form of the business. After paying court registry fees, the application is processed within 48 hours. Upon completion, the applicant receives a commercial registration certificate, tax identification number, and confirmation of social security affiliation.

Guichet Unique for Foreign Trade

Mauritania has not yet established a functioning Guichet Unique for Foreign Trade. However, in 2023, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Handicrafts and Tourism and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Promotion of Productive Sectors jointly issued a pre-qualification notice for a public-private partnership (PPP) project. The objective is to recruit an operator for the design, financing, implementation, and operation of a national Guichet Unique for Foreign Trade (Guichet Unique pour le Commerce Extérieur, GUCE).

Currently, ICT has not been integrated into the agricultural sector in Mauritania. According to the African Union’s Digital Agriculture Strategy published in October 2023, Mauritania has a digital agriculture readiness index of 19.6, placing it in group 3 out of 4. This classification indicates a low level of preparedness and highlights the need for significant investment in infrastructure, capacity building, and digital innovation to enable the integration of digital technologies into the agricultural sector.

Mauritania has not yet implemented artificial intelligence solutions, but the country has developed the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy of Mauritania 2025–2029 to support future development in this field.

The strategy focuses on six key pillars: enhancing human capacities through AI and data science training and professional integration; supporting research and innovation with sustainable funding and centers of excellence; promoting international collaboration and responsible participation in global data governance; ensuring secure and accessible datasets through improved data governance; expanding digital infrastructure, including national broadband and cloud computing; and implementing ethical AI policies aligned with data protection and regulatory frameworks.

Poor coordination and limited data exchange between government entities persist due to the absence of integrated infrastructure like a Government Service Bus.Overall, digital public services are limited in number, fragmented across platforms, and lack a centralized access point or one-stop shop portal. Platforms like the MTNIMA website provide information on administrative services, but do not support full online access or completion of procedures.

There is also a lack of concrete initiatives aimed at environmental protection, particularly in response to desertification.

Investing in digital infrastructure within the agriculture sector could address immediate operational challenges—such as logistics and resource management—while also laying the foundation for long-term technological innovation in one of key areas of the Mauritanian economy.

The development of a unified online portal for government services would help consolidate existing solutions, making them more accessible, and provide a foundation for introducing new digital services in the future.

National Best Practices

Telemedicine Access – YATA Médical

YATA Médical, launched in 2018 as Mauritania’s first accredited telemedicine provider, offers online consultations, home care services, and real-time health monitoring using biometric sensors. It also helps manage appointments and patient records, supporting both individuals and healthcare institutions with digital tools.

Human Rights Complaint Platform – Himayeti

Himayeti, introduced in 2023 by the Commissioner for Human Rights, enables users to submit and follow up on human rights complaints online. The platform improves accessibility and transparency in complaint handling and complements a national hotline for reporting trafficking and related issues.

Regional Inspirations

One-stop shop – ZamPortal (Zambia) 

ZamPortal, launched in 2019, is Zambia’s national e-government platform, providing digital access to over 340 public services for both individuals and businesses. Linked to users’ National Registration Cards, it supports secure payments via mobile money, cards, and online banking. The platform is mobile-friendly and underpinned by a Government Service Bus, which facilitates data exchange between institutions. As of 2022, more than a quarter of households reported regular use.

Digital Court Services – South Africa 

Court Online is South Africa’s e-filing and case management system, operational since 2020 in Gauteng’s High Court. It enables electronic submission of legal documents, evidence management through CaseLines, and virtual hearings. The system supports real-time updates and reduces the need for in-person court appearances, modernizing the litigation process.

Trade Facilitation Portal – Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur (Benin)

Benin’s Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur (GUCE), launched in 2018, is a digital one-stop shop for all foreign trade procedures. It simplifies import and export by allowing users to complete documentation and interact with multiple government agencies through a single portal. Integration with the national customs system and electronic payment solutions is underway to further streamline operations.

Authors:
Pavel Bianki