Economic Overview, Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG & Saharan Mining
Mauritania combines mega-scale offshore deepwater LNG extraction with historic Saharan iron ore and gold mining operations.
Key Economic Sectors
- Offshore LNG Mega-Projects: Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) floating LNG project and BirAllah gas fields.
- Iron Ore & Gold Mining: SNIM iron ore extraction in Zouérat and Kinross Tasiast gold mine.
- Atlantic Marine Fisheries: One of the world's most productive fishing zones centered in the deepwater port of Nouadhibou.
Employment Contracts, Labour Code (Loi 2004-017) & Probation
Regulated by Law No. 2004-017 (Code du Travail Mauritanien).
- Written Contracts: Mandatory in French or Arabic detailing wages and job category.
- Probation Period: Maximum 1 month for workers, 2 months for supervisors, and 3 months for executives (*cadres*).
Working Hours, Leave & Social Security (CNSS & CNAM)
- Standard Hours: 40 hours per week (8 hours/day over 5 days).
- Annual Leave: Minimum 24 working days (2 days per month worked) per continuous year of service.
- Public Holidays: 10 official national public holidays.
- Maternity Leave: 14 consecutive weeks fully paid leave (paid via CNSS and employer top-ups).
Social Security (CNSS 15%), CNAM Health (4%) & ITS Tax
| Statutory Scheme | Employer Share | Employee Share | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Social Security (CNSS) | 15.00% | 1.00% | Pensions, family allowances & workplace accidents (capped base) |
| National Health Insurance (CNAM) | 4.00% | 4.00% | Universal health insurance (uncapped) |
| Total Statutory Contributions | 19.00% | 5.00% | Total monthly social burden |
Personal Income Tax (ITS): Progressive brackets from 0% up to 40% on taxable income, remitted to DGI.
Why Use an Employer of Record (EOR) in Mauritania
- Rapid Energy & Mining Deployment: Onboard mining engineers and offshore technicians in Nouakchott or Nouadhibou in days.
- CNSS, CNAM & DGI Compliance: Automated management of 19% employer social contributions and local ITS tax declarations.
