Moroccan-Mauritanian partnership cuts watermelon prices in half in Nouakchott

An agricultural partnership between Moroccan and Mauritanian private producers is yielding significant benefits for consumers in Nouakchott, as locally grown “Moroccan watermelons” flood the market at dramatically reduced prices.

The cooperation, established during the joint commission meeting between the two countries in February 2024, has enabled Moroccan watermelon varieties to be cultivated in Mauritania’s Rosso region along the river valley in the southwest. The result has been a 50% price reduction for consumers in the capital city.

Watermelon prices have fallen to 8-12 ouguiyas per kilogram, compared to the previous 18-20 ouguiyas, according to local merchants. The price drop is largely attributed to the elimination of customs duties on locally produced crops, combined with reduced transportation costs and maintained quality standards, reports correspondent in Nouakchott of le360 news outlet.

“We appreciate the new arrangement that allows us to produce Moroccan watermelon in the river region. This has a positive impact on our activities,” Moustapha Jaudar, a Moroccan wholesaler operating in Mauritania, told the correspondent, highlighting the logistical advantages of sourcing high-quality produce from nearby growing areas.

Mauritanian wholesaler Sidi Moctar confirmed the market impact, saying “the Moroccan watermelon produced in the river valley has a positive effect on the market. Prices drop significantly due to the absence of customs duties.”

For retailers, the price reduction has created new profit opportunities. “We appreciate the lower prices of Moroccan watermelon produced in Rosso, with wholesale prices at 8-10 ouguiyas per kilogram. This allows us to resell the same product for 15-20 ouguiyas, generating substantial profit,” explained Fatimata Kanté, a local retailer.

Consumers are equally enthusiastic about the collaboration’s results. Houssein Abdel Kadr noted that the Moroccan watermelons produced in Rosso are of excellent quality and that the price reduction represents a positive development thanks to the elimination of customs duties on locally grown produce.

The successful agricultural partnership showcases how regional cooperation can simultaneously benefit producers, merchants, and consumers while strengthening food security and economic ties between neighboring countries.