The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has contributed to the financing of a landmark water supply project to deliver potable water to the city of Kiffa and surrounding areas in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The initiative is one of the country’s largest water infrastructure projects and is designed to strengthen water security in the Assaba and Guidimaka regions, where demand continues to rise.
The project was inaugurated in Touimirt Iflane, south of Kiffa, in the presence of His Excellency Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania. It will transfer water from the Senegal River to supply dozens of cities and villages with safe drinking water, addressing a long-standing development challenge in the region.
Valued at more than USD 300 million, the project is among the most significant water supply investments in Mauritania. In its initial phase, it is expected to benefit over 180,000 people, with planned expansion to serve up to 500,000 beneficiaries by 2050.
The scope of works includes the construction of water production and treatment facilities with a capacity of up to 50,000 cubic metres per day, designed to be scalable for future needs. It also involves the development of an extensive transmission and distribution network spanning more than 780 kilometres to deliver water to communities along the route.
Commenting on the project, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said the initiative represents a strategic investment in tackling water scarcity, one of the region’s most pressing development issues. He noted that the project will deliver long-term, sustainable water solutions that enhance resilience, improve quality of life, and support Mauritania’s social and economic development, in line with the UAE’s development vision and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Al Suwaidi added that ADFD’s partnership with Mauritania, which began in 1977, has supported multiple strategic projects across infrastructure and essential services. He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to continuing its support for high-impact initiatives that contribute to economic growth and societal well-being.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with several Arab, Islamic, and international development funds, reflecting a coordinated effort to finance and deliver one of Mauritania’s most important water infrastructure schemes and expand access to safe drinking water across the beneficiary regions.
