If you wonder about the current entrepreneurial landscape in the country, a significant indicator of Mauritania’s entrepreneurial spirit is a 2016 survey by the World Bank and the Mauritanian Center for Policy Analysis (CMAP). The survey revealed that 75% of young Mauritanians aspire to start their own businesses as a means of employment and income. Despite their enthusiasm, only 20% feel adequately prepared to launch a company. This gap underscores the need for better support systems, including policies, financial resources, mentorship, and, most importantly, education.
What solutions could there be to boost entrepreneurship in Mauritania and boost the country’s economy?
Reforming the Formal Education System
The education system in Mauritania predominantly offers theoretical knowledge, even in business and entrepreneurship programs, leading to a conceptual rather than practical understanding of entrepreneurship. Recent government reforms have introduced polytechnic schools and specialized technical schools. However, to tap into the potential of the young population, which constitutes 60% of working-age Mauritanians, further investment in developing technical and entrepreneurial skills is crucial.
Strengthening Vocational Training
Mauritania’s vocational training needs enhancement to complement formal education.
Currently, vocational programs are limited and often of subpar quality, falling below the sub-Saharan African median. Improving these programs to align with labor market needs can significantly boost employment outcomes.
Promotion and Education on Entrepreneurship and Mindset
Given the low level of entrepreneurial activity, Mauritania needs to invest in the promotion of entrepreneurship at the societal level. Introducing entrepreneurship at different stages of learning and promoting initiatives such as the “Entrepreneurship Marathon” organized by the World Bank and the Mauritanian Ministry of Economy and Finance can provide important insights and data to refine educational programs.
Developing Digital Skills
Prioritizing the development of digital skills development is critical to driving innovation. While there are private initiatives such as the Google Developers Group, public investment in digital education remains limited. Improving access to new technologies and integrating digital skills into education and training programs are important steps towards building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Empowering female entrepreneurs is another important opportunity. Training a new generation of female entrepreneurs and supporting existing women founders can significantly boost the Mauritanian economy. Studies suggest that the country’s wealth could increase by 19% if women had more opportunities to participate in economic activities, including entrepreneurship.
Mauritania’s predominantly young population — 61.4 % between 15 and 35 years old —faces considerable employment problems. Entrepreneurship offers a viable path to economic participation and job creation. By focusing on education, skills development and fostering an entrepreneurial culture, Mauritania can cultivate a thriving and sustainable startup landscape and transform its potential into tangible economic growth.
About the author: Born in Morocco, raised in Mauritania, and educated in the US, Cheikh Mohamed Elkarachi is the Chairman and CEO of Nouakchott-based Elkarachi Holdings, a leading conglomerate in Northwest Africa specializing in the production of polyurethane foam, mattresses, and carpets. He is passionate about education and has a strong interest in diplomacy, especially thanks to his studies at Georgia State University, where he majored in political science and international affairs.
www.linkedin.com/in/cheikh-mohamed-elkarachi
BY Cheikh Mohamed ELKARACHI, Claudia MICLAUS, Egli HAXHIRAJ, Anamaria MESHKURTI and Jonida GJUZI
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