Mauritania’s first Sheraton hotel gets $15 million IFC boost

International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a $15 million investment in Grands Hôtels de Mauritanie (GHM) to support the expansion of Mauritania’s business tourism sector, strengthen local supply chains, and create jobs.

The long-term financing will support operations at the Sheraton Nouakchott Hotel, the country’s first internationally branded five-star hotel, which opened in November 2025. The 200-room property is already boosting Mauritania’s ability to host conferences, business travelers, and international events, while meeting rising demand for global hospitality standards.

Expanding capacity and local economic impact

Since opening, the hotel has created more than 200 direct jobs and unlocked new opportunities for local suppliers, including artisans, food producers, and service providers. IFC’s funding is expected to scale operations further, amplifying its long-term economic contribution.

“This hotel represents a major milestone for Mauritania’s hospitality sector,” said Mokhtar Mohamed Ebeye, CEO of GHM. “As the country’s first internationally branded five-star hotel under the Sheraton flag, it sets a new benchmark for quality, service, and sustainability.”

Strengthening Mauritania’s tourism ecosystem

Beyond hospitality, the project is positioned as a catalyst for Mauritania’s broader business tourism ecosystem. By improving infrastructure and service quality, it is expected to enhance the country’s attractiveness to investors and corporate travelers.

Olivier Buyoya, IFC Regional Director for West Africa, noted that strong infrastructure is essential for private sector growth. “By supporting this project, we are helping strengthen an entire economic ecosystem—from tourism to local value chains—while advancing private sector-led development,” he said.

Sustainability and long-term strategy

The hotel is being developed in line with IFC’s Sustainability Framework and is expected to achieve EDGE certification through energy-efficient and water-saving technologies. It will also adhere to international environmental and social standards, including occupational safety and responsible resource management.

The investment aligns with IFC’s broader strategy in Mauritania, where it has invested and mobilized approximately $2.1 billion over the past five years across sectors such as mining, agribusiness, tourism, infrastructure, and financial services.

A public-private partnership milestone

Owned by a consortium led by Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière alongside RAJA Holding and WAFA Holding, GHM represents a public-private partnership that mobilized nearly $60 million in equity.

The Sheraton Nouakchott Hotel is operated by Marriott International under its Sheraton brand, marking a significant step in positioning Mauritania as a destination for high-end international business travel.