Mauritania extends for six months MoU with Cairo-based Arab Contractor to build tramway in Nouakchott

Mauritania has extended for six months the Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Arab Contractor company to build a tramway in capital Nouakchott, local media report.

The extension was enacted by Minister of Equipment and Transport Mohamed Ali O. Sidi Mohamed, who said the move is meant to enable the company to finalize the feasibility study for the project and the measures required for its completion, which will take three years.

The Mauritanian Government and the Egyptian company signed in 2022 a deal for the construction of a tramway in capital Nouakchott. The train, the first in the city, will run on two lines 22.5 km long each, connecting the capital’s downtown to districts on the outskirts.

The project will help preserve the environment by reducing gas emissions and global warming, contribute to the smooth flow of people, and strengthen Mauritania’s tourism sector.

Ali Mohamed also indicated that the Cairo-headquartered company has presented a preliminary study for a 42 km tramway line in Nouakchott and two lines with a 1.200 km interchange section.

Arab Contractor is one of the oldest construction companies in the Middle East. It completed projects in several countries in the region.