Mauritania seeks to benefit from Morocco’s vocational training expertise

Mauritania is turning to Morocco for its expertise in vocational training to accelerate its development of job-oriented programs. This collaboration comes as part of broader efforts to build strong economic ties between the two North African nations.

During the Mauritanian-Moroccan Parliamentary Economic Forum, which began in Nouakchott on May 9, 2025, Mauritanian Minister of Vocational Training, Traditional Industry and Crafts, Mohamed Maalainine Ould Eyih, confirmed his country’s intent to leverage Morocco’s successful vocational training systems. Mauritania is particularly keen on adopting Morocco’s approach to creating specialized training cities, delegating the management of vocational institutions, and developing comprehensive curricula.

Ould Eyih emphasized that the collaboration aims to save time and enhance efficiency by tapping into Morocco’s vast experience in vocational training. This partnership is seen as crucial for establishing high-quality vocational training institutions in Mauritania, such as the one currently being constructed in the capital, Nouakchott.

The agreement highlights Morocco’s Office of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion, which is actively involved in developing training programs and providing expertise. This initiative draws inspiration from Morocco’s vocational training cities, which focus on specific professions and skills to meet the needs of the job market.

Efforts to improve vocational education in Mauritania also include the establishment of a National Agency for Education and Vocational Training, following Morocco’s successful model. This agency will integrate all existing vocational training institutions in the country, creating a unified system aimed at improving employability and skills development.

Minister Ould Eyih pointed out that Mauritania also looks to Morocco’s experience in managing vocational institutions, particularly as the country prepares to establish a specialized school for oil and gas training. Morocco’s success in training highly skilled personnel for industries such as aviation has served as a strong example, with Mauritania eager to replicate this success in its own economy.

The forum, which concluded on May 10, 2025, featured key discussions on enhancing vocational training and improving employability in both countries. Co-chaired by Moroccan House of Representatives President Rachid Talbi Alami and Mauritanian National Assembly President Mohamed Bamba Meguett, the event brought together parliamentarians, ministers, sector officials, and business leaders from both nations.

This collaboration between Morocco and Mauritania signals a promising step forward in regional cooperation, with both nations benefiting from shared expertise in vocational training and economic development.