Decentralised Renewable Energy Driving Sustainable Growth In Mauritania’s Artisanal Fisheries – Report

Mauritania’s fisheries sector is one of the most important pillars of its economy, contributing significantly to employment, exports, and food security. In 2023, fisheries accounted for 2.8% of GDP, 14.9% of primary sector output, and 19.9% of total export earnings. The sector provides 66,000 direct jobs and 300,000 indirect jobs, making it vital for livelihoods. With more than 720 kilometers of coastline, Mauritania has become the second-largest fish producer and exporter in Africa, contributing 8.3% of Africa’s total fish production and 10.7% of exports. Artisanal fishing alone represents 80% of the value and employment in the sector, and supplies nearly 78,000 tonnes of fish annually for domestic consumption, ensuring food security for local communities.

Despite this importance, artisanal fisheries face severe challenges, especially in terms of energy. The entire value chain—from boat operations to storage, processing, and distribution—relies heavily on fossil fuels, mainly petrol and diesel. This dependency not only increases operational costs but also exposes the sector to price volatility, unreliable fuel supplies, and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy costs can reach up to 40% of total operating expenses, undermining profitability. In addition, fishing zones often suffer from unreliable electricity access, forcing larger facilities like ice plants and factories to depend on costly backup generators.

At the same time, Mauritania has abundant renewable energy potential, particularly solar and wind, which remains largely untapped. Transitioning to decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions could transform the sector by lowering costs, cutting carbon emissions, and improving resilience. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) assessed the opportunities for such a transition and consulted directly with more than 400 stakeholders, including fishermen, processors, and fishmongers, to understand energy needs and opportunities. The study proposed tailored DRE solutions such as grid-connected solar PV systems for large factories, solar-powered cold storage and ice production facilities for fishing communities, individual solar freezers for fishmongers, and battery-powered motors for artisanal boats.

Economic analysis showed that these solutions are not only technically feasible but also financially viable. Internal rates of return range from 12% for large consumers to 24% for community-based solar ice factories, with all proposed solutions showing positive net present value. Beyond financial gains, these interventions could cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by over 96,000 tonnes, with the greatest reductions possible in replacing fossil fuel engines in artisanal boats. These battery-powered motors represent more than 80% of the emission reduction potential. Such a shift would also align with Mauritania’s commitments under its Nationally Determined Contribution, which targets an 11% emissions reduction by 2030, and even deeper cuts with greater international support.

To make this transition a reality, the report highlights the need for policy and institutional support. Barriers such as high upfront costs, lack of financing, limited awareness, and insufficient technical skills remain major obstacles. To address these, the recommendations call for a national strategy on decentralised renewable energy for productive uses that covers not only fisheries but also agriculture, livestock, and small industries. Other key actions include removing import duties on renewable energy equipment, developing national certification systems to ensure quality, creating targeted awareness campaigns in fishing villages, and expanding access to microfinance tailored for small producers. Building the skills of women and youth in the sector is also highlighted as a priority to ensure inclusiveness and local ownership.

The investment required for deploying all proposed solutions is estimated at USD 163 million, with the largest share—nearly 60%—allocated to retrofitting artisanal boats with clean motors. About USD 48 million would be needed for solar-powered cold storage and ice factories, while smaller investments would support solar freezers for fishmongers. These interventions could significantly reduce post-catch losses, improve fish quality, and raise incomes for communities across the value chain.

In conclusion, Mauritania’s artisanal fisheries sector stands at a crossroads. While energy challenges continue to weigh heavily on its performance, the opportunity to harness renewable energy is clear and urgent. By investing in decentralised renewable solutions, the country can strengthen food security, improve livelihoods, enhance sustainability, and reduce emissions. For this vision to be realised, coordinated action is needed between government, financial institutions, private investors, and local communities. With the right policies and support, decentralised renewable energy could become the backbone of a stronger and more resilient artisanal fisheries sector in Mauritania.