Mauritania has officially launched commercial 5G services, marking a significant milestone in the country's telecommunications sector. The launch was announced by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Modernization of Administration on May 18, 2026, making Mauritania one of the first African nations to offer widespread 5G connectivity.
The initial rollout covers the capital Nouakchott and several major cities, with plans to expand to other regions by the end of 2026. The network is operated by Mauritel, the country's leading telecom provider, in partnership with Huawei Technologies.
Minister of Digital Transformation, Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Khattry, stated: 'This launch positions Mauritania at the forefront of digital innovation in Africa. 5G will accelerate our digital economy, improve public services, and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens.'
The 5G network promises download speeds up to 20 times faster than 4G, with lower latency, enabling applications in telemedicine, smart agriculture, and remote education. The government has invested $150 million in infrastructure upgrades to support the new network.
Industry analysts note that Mauritania's early adoption of 5G could serve as a model for other developing nations, though challenges remain in ensuring affordable access and expanding coverage to rural areas.
