Backed by $20 million in funding, this new phase will expand women’s and girls’ access to education, training, economic opportunities and health services across six regions of the country.

ALEG, Mauritania – Mauritania officially launched the third phase of the Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus project (SWEDD+) on 28 July 2026 in Aleg, in the Brakna region.

Held under the patronage of First Lady Dr Mariem Mohamed Fadel Dah, the ceremony brought together government officials, regional and local authorities, and representatives of the World Bank, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other technical and financial partners.

Financed with $20 million USD from the International Development Association, part of the World Bank Group, the new phase will cover six regions: Brakna, Hodh Ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Assaba, Gorgol and Guidimakha. Together, these regions are home to approximately 54 per cent of Mauritania’s population.

SWEDD+ aims to support girls’ enrolment and retention in secondary education, expand their access to training, strengthen women’s economic empowerment and improve health services, particularly sexual and reproductive health services.

“Women’s empowerment is a fundamental pillar in building a stable, cohesive and prosperous society,” the First Lady said. She called on public authorities, religious leaders, the media, civil society and communities to work together to prevent violence against women, support girls’ education and protect their reproductive health.

Building on results achieved since 2016

This new phase builds on the first two phases of the SWEDD project, implemented in Mauritania between 2016 and 2024. According to the results presented at the launch, these interventions helped improve girls’ enrolment and retention in school, extend project activities to several regions and finance income-generating activities for women, particularly in rural areas.

Girls now account for 48.7 per cent of those enrolled in vocational training programmes.

Minister of Economic Affairs and Development Abdallahi Ould Souleymane Ould Cheikh Sidia said SWEDD+ would consolidate these gains through continued investment in girls’ education, women’s economic empowerment and the quality of health services.

Ibou Diouf, World Bank Representative in Mauritania, noted that investing in girls’ education and skills means investing in the future of families and communities, while contributing to a more resilient and inclusive economy.

Olga Sankara, UNFPA Representative in Mauritania, said SWEDD+ reflects the country’s commitment to placing the development of women’s human capital at the heart of public policy. “Investing in girls’ education, advancing the economic empowerment of women and adolescent girls, supporting their participation in leadership and improving reproductive health services directly helps create the conditions for their full participation in the development process,” she said.

Following the ceremony, the First Lady and accompanying delegation visited an exhibition showcasing project interventions and activities led by women participating in the programme. The launch of SWEDD+ marks a new phase in translating national commitments into tangible opportunities for more women and girls across Mauritania.