Our contribution to the Forum of Mauritanians Abroad

Passerelles Mauritanie is present at the Forum of Mauritanians Abroad, held in Nouakchott from 20 to 31 October 2026. The association presents itself as a citizen organisation that mobilises the skills of the diaspora for national development.

At its preparatory meeting on 18 October, the team chose to focus on one overall position note rather than separate deliverables for each workshop, and to have members on site take part in the workshops to carry the vision of Passerelles.

Our three instruments

• Skills Bank — identify and connect Mauritanian expertise at home and abroad.
• National Projects Bank — map opportunities and projects with strong local impact.
• National Mentors Network — experienced professionals guiding young people.

Main recommendations

• Remittances: ask the Central Bank of Mauritania and the Ministry of the Economy to make regular transfers safer and cheaper.
• Civil registration: easier access for recognised Mauritanians, mobile civil-registry missions in cities with large communities (for example Belgium), and systematic registration of diaspora children.
• Education: diaspora representatives on the High Council of Education, including on the re-enrolment of children returning from abroad.
• Land: better access to urban and rural land for diaspora projects, including agricultural cooperatives.
• Representation: more diaspora members of parliament — today four for five continents.
• Consular services: a consul general in Paris and social workers in consulates.
• Travel: visa facilitation for diaspora members without dual nationality, and priority lanes at airports.