The African Development Bank (AfDB) has taken a significant step towards increasing Mauritania’s rail capacity, approving a $467 million loan for a $150 million logistics development project by the Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM). The project aims to double Mauritania’s rail infrastructure by 2030.
Project Scope and Objectives
The primary focus of the project is the purchase of locomotives and wagons that will increase rail transport. In this context, it is planned to acquire 36 new locomotives and 1.743 freight wagons. The project, which will also focus on infrastructure upgrades, also envisages adding side lines and building new stations. These investments will significantly increase SNIM’s rail transport capacity and improve the region’s logistics efficiency.
SNIM's Railway Capacity
SNIM is a major company operating Mauritania’s only railway, transporting between 14 and 16 million tons of iron ore per year. The company is one of the country’s most important logistics providers, transporting iron ore to the port of Nouadhibou. Currently, SNIM’s fleet consists of approximately 1.200 gondola cars and more than 40 locomotives. Most of these locomotives were manufactured in the 1980s and modernized between 1993 and 2008. In addition, six new SD2011ACS locomotives were purchased from the American manufacturer EMD in 2012 and 70, reinforcing the fleet.
Economic Impact of Investments
This investment, which will be implemented with the support of AfDB, will not only improve the railway infrastructure, but will also make significant contributions to the Mauritanian economy. Modern railway infrastructure will increase iron ore exports and strengthen SNIM’s global market share. In addition, these investments will stimulate the local economy, create new job opportunities and increase the country’s international trade power.
Strategic Step: Purchasing Locomotives and Wagons
The purchase of locomotives and wagons to increase railway transport capacity is considered a strategic step for SNIM. These investments will enable the company to work more efficiently to meet increasing demand and will reinforce the importance of its logistics network in global trade. In addition, modernizing the railway infrastructure will contribute to economic development in the region by ensuring faster and safer transport processes.
Mauritania’s Infrastructure Development and Future
With this project, the capacity increase in Mauritania’s railway infrastructure will support the country’s economic growth and help it become more competitive in international trade. SNIM is pursuing an ambitious roadmap to increase railway capacity and modernize it. This project reiterates Mauritania’s commitment to developing its infrastructure.
Investments to increase SNIM’s rail capacity are critical to modernizing Mauritania’s logistics infrastructure, improving transport efficiency and revitalizing the economy. AfDB financing is an important step for the success of the project and will help Mauritania become a stronger player in global markets.
