The development of urban infrastructure, for water supply and sanitation, for instance, has been unable to keep pace with the rapid growth of urban populations. This has resulted in vast slums. Moreover, rapid population growth has led to a situation in which 40 per cent of Mauritania’s inhabitants today are below 15 years of age. The training opportunities and jobs available to them are far from adequate.
Great poverty persists
Despite the reform processes, the social welfare of Mauritanians has scarcely improved in recent years. Even though the number of poor people has fallen significantly since 2000, according to Mauritania's statistical office, more than 30 per cent of the population was still living below the national poverty line in 2014. Child mortality is still extremely high (73 out of 1,000 children die before their fifth birthday) and there are still great deficits in terms of maternal health care. According to figures from the World Bank, the school enrolment rate stands at 80 per cent and only about 73 per cent of children finish primary school.
In 2001, the Mauritanian government prepared a poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP). All sections of society participated in the production of the strategy. A revised version for the period up to 2030 (Stratégie de Croissance Accélérée et de Prospérité Partagée, SCAPP) was adopted by Parliament in 2018. However a weak administration and a marked shortage of skilled workers and managers is hindering the implementation of the development goals laid down in the strategy.