Henniya mint Teyib is among over 200,000 impoverished households registered in the Social Registry database benefiting from the Tekavoul National Social Transfer Program. This initiative is part of several adaptive and transformative social protection programs implemented by the Mauritanian government with support from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank's fund for low-income countries.
Every quarter, Teyib receives a cash transfer from the Mauritanian government. She explained, “I use part of it to buy hygiene products, school supplies, and food for the children. I had a small stall at home that I was able to expand with some of the transfers from Tekavoul, and I was able to save until I bought an ewe that has already given birth to two lambs.”
With nearly 30% of its population living below the poverty line, Mauritania is committed to promoting social protection as a solution to its socioeconomic challenges.
In 2015, the government launched the Social Safety Net System Support Project (PASyFiS 1) as part of its National Social Protection Strategy (SNPS). This strategy introduced a more inclusive and sustainable social protection model.
Additionally, in 2017, the Elmaouna shock-responsive safety net program was implemented in several regions of Mauritania. This program demonstrated a convergence between humanitarian and development approaches.
The creation of the Taazour General Delegation for National Solidarity and the Fight against Exclusion in 2020 marked a new phase in expanding and strengthening adaptive social protection efforts. The initiative focuses on investing in future generations and directly impacting populations.
Awareness-raising initiatives were established to change behaviors and break intergenerational poverty cycles. Teyib noted, “We participated in information sessions where we received advice on hygiene, health, nutrition, and education of our children. As I put these tips into practice, I have noticed that my children, who used to get sick often, are healthier. I also invested in the education of my children; they are all in school today.”
More than 90% of cash transfer beneficiaries are women heads of household. The project also provides access to credit and healthcare services: “As beneficiaries of Tekavoul,” said Teyib, “we have gained credibility with merchants who provide us with credit for our urgent needs, and we benefit from health insurance through CNAM which now allows us and our children to treat ourselves free of charge.”
Youth employability is another priority for building human capital for future generations. Launched in parallel with PASyFiS 1 in 2021, the Youth Employability Project (YEP) has trained over 12,000 young people—70% of whom are women—and about 1,000 young individuals have received technical or management training or are awaiting scholarships.
Mauritania's sustained commitment is evident through significant program expansion. The number of beneficiary households has more than doubled from 47,000 in 2020 to over 100,000 today. An additional 42,000 households were added with the start of the Nouakchott project.
Quarterly allocations increased from MRU 1,500 ($37) in 2015 to MRU 3,600 ($90) today. These allocations cover more than 80% of transfer costs fully financed by the government.
Mauritania has also scaled up crisis response measures supporting vulnerable households during droughts and floods between 2017 and 2023. Over this period more than 131 thousand households benefited from Elmaouna program representing approximately 814 thousand individuals. Additionally ,24 thousand households received assistance under Tekavoul Choc pilot program.
Elmaouna extended its reach to include 7282 refugee households residing within M'berra camp providing crucial safety net coverage benefiting over 40192 individuals. Fatma Walet Elmehdi,a refugee camp resident shared her experience,"Through quarterly cash transfers,we now have fixed amount helping us manage day-to-day expenses while supporting personal initiatives."
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