Mauritania Secures $15m Loan to Develop 2,000 Middle-Income Homes

Shelter Afrique Development Bank has approved a $15 million loan to the Mauritanian Investment Bank (BMI) to finance the construction of affordable, middle-income housing projects across key urban centres. The landmark deal, signed on June 24, is set to significantly ease the country's housing deficit and stimulate employment.

The loan will be used to construct 1,000 housing units in Zouerate, a mining town in northern Mauritania, and develop 1,000 fully serviced residential plots in Tevragh-Zeina, one of Nouakchott’s growing districts. Combined, the projects are expected to benefit 2,000 families and support approximately 12,400 individuals.

In addition to expanding housing access, the initiative is poised to generate 5,000 jobs in construction and related sectors, offering a timely boost to the country’s urban economy. The project aligns with Mauritania’s broader strategy to tackle a national housing shortfall of nearly 50,000 units, driven by urbanisation rates exceeding 4% annually.

“This is more than just a housing initiative — it’s a catalyst for inclusive growth,” said Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director of Shelter Afrique. “Our investment reflects our long-term commitment to housing solutions that uplift communities while driving economic activity.”

BMI’s Managing Director, Mohamed Yahya Sidi, echoed the sentiment, noting that the partnership supports the bank’s mission to enable homeownership for low- and middle-income families. He also highlighted the role of the Mauritanian diaspora in the Tevragh-Zeina plot development, calling it a “first step” in engaging overseas Mauritanians in national housing finance.

The loan is part of Shelter Afrique’s broader mission to strengthen Africa’s housing finance ecosystem, with a specific focus on inclusive urban development. With housing affordability remaining a challenge across many African cities, targeted financial collaborations like this one are seen as essential to bridging the gap.

The agreement has been widely welcomed by stakeholders and reported across regional media outlets, with Shelter Afrique confirming the news via an official statement on its website and social media platforms.

As the projects move into the implementation phase, further details on construction timelines and home allocation criteria are expected to be released in the coming months.

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