Programs, Challenges, and Perspectives

Empower Mauritania’s artisanal sectors and artisans through comprehensive infrastructure development and sectoral initiatives.

The actions of the Directorate of Handicrafts for Innovation and Development are defined by a few clear and precise objectives :

Develop and strengthen artisanal value chains and those of the social and solidarity economy in order to create jobs, preserve cultural heritage, and improve artisans’ living conditions.
Structure and professionalize these value chains to ensure their sustainability.
Improve the quality and competitiveness of handicraft products.
Expand local and international markets to enhance the value of national production.

The expected impact is the promotion of a modern and profitable artisanal model, respectful of traditions, and highlighting the quality, creativity, and entrepreneurial identity of artisans, now recognized as key economic actors.

Programs

The Ministry structures its action around four major programs:

Organization of the handicraft, trades, and social and solidarity economy (SSE) sector

Enhancement, safeguarding, and promotion of the national craft heritage

Strengthening, development, and financing of handicraft and SSE value chains

Establishment of an artisanal village and sustainable infrastructures to serve Mauritanian craftsmanship

Challenges

1. Modernization of Craft Sectors Upgrading traditional craft sectors to meet quality standards and evolving market demands, ensuring artisans remain competitive and aligned with modern practices.
2. Transmission of Knowledge Preserving and passing down traditional know-how, especially in the face of the risk of losing certain artisanal practices that are part of the country’s cultural heritage.
3. Organization and Structuring of the Sector Strengthening the governance and representativeness of the artisanal sector by organizing and structuring actors for more effective interventions and sustainable development.
4. Product Competitiveness Enhancing the quality, originality, and market appeal of artisanal products to compete successfully in the increasingly competitive international markets.
5. Mobilization of Resources Securing financial and technical resources to support artisans, finance growth initiatives, and encourage innovation across the sector.
6. Sustainable Governance Strengthen infrastructures and establish sustainable governance to provide long-term support for artisans in the development and management of their projects.

Perspectives

Among the flagship projects of the 2025 Action Plan, as outlined in the PPNA – National Program for the Promotion of Handicrafts, are the following:

Nouakchott Craft Village

Launch of the Nouakchott Craft Village, which will include a training center, production workshops, and exhibition spaces to strengthen artisanal production and promote cultural heritage

National Craft Encyclopedia

Development of a national encyclopedia of Mauritanian crafts to preserve traditional knowledge and highlight the richness of the country’s cultural heritage

National Craft Quality Label

Creation of a quality label for national crafts to ensure product authenticity, strengthen consumer trust, and improve competitiveness in local and international markets

National Register of Artisans

Establishment of a comprehensive register to map artisans and craft enterprises, enabling better understanding of their needs and more effective targeting of support measures

National Agency for Craft and Social & Solidarity Economy Promotion

Creation of a dedicated agency to oversee the promotion of crafts and the social and solidarity economy, supported by a fund designed to finance artisans and their projects

Sectoral Studies on Promising Craft Industries

Implementation of studies focused on high-potential craft sectors, providing data to guide public policy, attract investment, and support sustainable growth