BP launches $351,000 fishing centre in Mauritania

British Petroleum (BP) has inaugurated a marine fishing centre in N’Djakou, southwestern Mauritania, representing an investment of $351,000 (138 million old ouguiyas) aimed at revitalising the local fishing industry.

The facility, which will directly benefit 250 people and indirectly impact 1,200 more, was officially opened on Monday by a delegation including Decentralisation Minister Yacoub Ould Salem Vall, Trarza Governor Mohamed Ahmed Mouloud, and N’Djakou Mayor Bejel Ould Hamid, alongside BP Mauritania Director Mohamed El Imam and Kosmos Energy Director Ismail Mohamed.

The infrastructure development includes 24 fishermen’s warehouses, nine fish vendor stores, a women’s fish processing centre, a sorting and cleaning facility, and a new pier with a connecting road to N’Djakou village.

“This project will directly support 225 active fishermen,” said Mohamed El Imam, BP’s Vice President in Mauritania, noting it would boost local incomes and create additional employment opportunities.

Mayor Bejel Ould Hamid welcomed the initiative, stating it would help reduce youth unemployment and migration by creating opportunities in marine fishing. The municipality has committed to facilitating electricity and water supplies to the centre.

The project, implemented by Ecodev, forms part of BP’s broader investment in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas field development, a joint venture with Mauritanian Petroleum Company and Kosmos Energy.

The GTA project is expected to produce approximately 2.3 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually over a 20-year period.

The fishing centre is one component of BP’s larger social investment programme in Mauritania, which encompasses community health, economic development, environmental awareness, and education initiatives.