Resource information
A data set of key macro-sustainability
indicators, constructed after several fact-finding missions,
and World Bank methodologies on estimating wealth accounting
are used to study Mauritania's wealth, which is
estimated to be between USD50 and USD60 billion. The
country's produced wealth represents roughly 12 percent
of total wealth, much less than in lower-middle-income
countries; by contrast, natural wealth represents
approximately 45 percent of the total figure. Renewable
resources account for slightly less than two-thirds of
natural wealth, with fisheries alone equaling about
one-fourth of natural wealth. This is good news for
Mauritania, as sound management of these resources may
ensure a constant flow of resources in the future and
therefore -- with adequate policies -- the achievement of
the same or higher levels of welfare for future generations.
On the negative side, however, the ratio of net adjusted
savings over gross national income is estimated to have been
negative since 2006, meaning that the wealth of the country
is being depleted. Mauritania has recently joined the ranks
of lower-middle-income countries, largely thanks to its
considerable natural resources endowment. Over time the
mining sector's contribution to gross domestic product
has grown significantly and important discoveries continue
to be made. The overarching objective of this wealth
accounting exercise is thus to support Mauritania to
measure its assets better and achieve a more complete
picture of the prospects for future income, with a view to
better orienting public policies toward sustainable growth
and shared prosperity. The paper concludes with several
indicative policy recommendations.
