Entrepreneurs' Access to Financing: The Case of Mauritania

Abstract

Mauritania, a country strategically located between sub-Saharan Africa and the Maghreb, holds significant economic potential thanks to key sectors such as agriculture, fishing, mining resources (iron, gold), renewable energy, and tourism. Despite these many assets, the Mauritanian economy continues to face major structural challenges that hinder its development. Among these challenges is the limited access to entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas.

Entrepreneurs in Mauritania face significant challenges in securing financing due to a limited financial infrastructure, complex regulatory barriers, and a lack of trust from both local and international investors. Strict collateral requirements, high interest rates, and regional disparities further restrict access to credit, especially for SMEs and businesses led by ambitious women.

This article presents a theoretical analysis of the main obstacles faced by entrepreneurs in Mauritania in accessing financing. Based on a narrative review of national and international literature, it identifies structural, institutional, and cultural determinants that limit the ability of Mauritanian entrepreneurs to mobilize formal financial resources. The study highlights the lack of financial inclusion, the inadequacy of financial products tailored to the needs of SMEs, and the limited reach of microfinance institutions. Through an analytical approach grounded in academic literature and institutional reports, the article reveals the gap between stated public policies and the reality on the ground. In conclusion, it offers a set of recommendations to improve the entrepreneurial financing environment in Mauritania.

Classification JEL : G21, L26, O16, O55

Paper type : Theoretical Research