Mauritania is a resource-rich nation in Northwest Africa currently entering a period of significant economic expansion driven by its burgeoning energy sector. Its capital, Nouakchott, is the hub of the country’s financial modernization, while Nouadhibou remains the vital center for fishing and mining exports. In May 2026, the economy is projected to grow by a robust 4.4%, fueled by rising gas production from the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project and high global commodity prices. Inflation has successfully moderated to approximately 4.1% to 4.8%. With a population of over 5.4 million, Mauritania is rapidly bypassing traditional bank branches; mobile money and digital wallets have become the primary tools for financial inclusion, reaching deep into rural and nomadic communities.
Money Transfer Locations
Western Union
Western Union is a cornerstone of the Mauritanian remittance system, operating primarily through Banque Nationale de Mauritanie (BNM) and BMCI branches.
- Western Union Nouakchott (Avenue Charles de Gaulle – BNM HQ)
- Western Union Nouakchott (Tevragh Zeina & Ksar)
- Western Union Nouadhibou (Boulevard Maritime)
- Western Union Rosso (Border Trade Hub)
- Western Union Atar
- Western Union Kaédi
- Western Union Zouérat (Mining District)
- Western Union Kiffa
- Western Union Néma
- Western Union Tidjikja
- Western Union Selibaby
- Western Union Aioun
MoneyGram & Ria Money Transfer
MoneyGram is widely accessible through Société Générale Mauritanie and BIM Bank, while Ria is often used for transfers from Europe via Chinguitel and local exchange bureaus.
- MoneyGram Nouakchott (Avenue Kennedy)
- Ria Money Transfer Nouakchott (Marche Capital)
- MoneyGram Nouadhibou
- Ria Boghé
Digital Payouts & Mobile Wallets (The 2026 Standard)
In 2026, Mauritania’s financial sector is defined by the “Bankily vs. Masrvi” rivalry, which has brought banking to nearly every smartphone in the country:
- Bankily (by BPM) – The most popular digital wallet in the country, allowing users to open accounts instantly via smartphone or USSD (*888#). It is widely used for “El Lewha” (digital tontines), merchant payments, and utility bills.
- Masrvi (by BMCI) – A robust digital banking service that allows for cash deposits and withdrawals through a massive network of authorized retail agents.
- Sadaqa (by BIM Bank) – An emerging digital platform focused on social payments and micro-remittances within the Islamic banking framework.
- BIM Pay – Used extensively for salary disbursements and instant peer-to-peer transfers.
- Amanty – A rising fintech player specialized in securing cross-border transactions for the Mauritanian diaspora.
Major Bank & Financial Partners
The banking sector is seeing increased consolidation and a shift toward 100% digital onboarding to meet the 2026 National Financial Inclusion Strategy goals:
- Banque Populaire de Mauritanie (BPM – The driver behind Bankily and a leader in retail digital banking)
- Banque Nationale de Mauritanie (BNM – A historic pillar of the corporate and investment sector)
- BMCI (Banque Mauritanienne pour le Commerce International – Known for its extensive Masrvi agent network)
- Générale de Banque de Mauritanie (GBM – One of the largest banks by total assets and deposits)
- BIM Bank (Banque Islamique de Mauritanie – A leader in Sharia-compliant digital finance)
- Société Générale Mauritanie (A key partner for international trade and corporate clients)
- Banque Centrale de Mauritanie (BCM – The regulator overseeing the Ouguiya and the 2026 digital payment roadmap)