Expan'Africa: Immersive days Mauritania

✨ A mission rich in exchanges and perspectives in Nouakchott as part of the Expan'Africa program

The mission of the Tunisian delegation to Nouakchott, accompanied by Connect'Innov within the framework of the Expan'Africa program, was marked by a succession of strategic meetings, sectoral discoveries and concrete opportunities for cooperation, while offering a progressive immersion in the Mauritanian health, pharmaceutical and academic ecosystem.

The first few days laid the institutional and operational groundwork for the mission. It began with a visit to the Tunisian Embassy in Nouakchott, where the delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Hilali, Chargé d'affaires ad interim, before proceeding to the Ministry of Health. Discussions with the Secretary General and her staff provided an opportunity to address the country's major health priorities and explore potential alignment with Tunisian innovation.

The delegation then visited the Specialized Hospital Center, which specializes in pathologies of the head, neck, and musculoskeletal system. This immersive experience highlighted concrete needs in terms of equipment and innovative solutions that the Tunisian companies being supported could address. The day concluded with a meeting with Kennedy Pharmacy, providing valuable insight into the realities and dynamics of the local pharmaceutical market.

The second day allowed for a deeper understanding of the challenges related to access to healthcare and medical equipment, notably through a meeting with CAMEC – the Central Purchasing Agency for Medicines and Medical Equipment – focusing on supply chains and public health needs. The delegation also met with representatives from two major private institutions, Clinique Ennasr and Medicaire MSS Clinic, who presented their activities, development ambitions, and potential avenues for collaboration with Tunisian startups and innovative organizations. The day concluded with a discussion with the Mauritanian Union of Young Entrepreneurs, fostering the exploration of synergies between the entrepreneurial ecosystems of the two countries.

The momentum continued on the fourth and fifth days with a strengthened focus on the pharmaceutical, hospital, and academic sectors. The fourth day was dedicated to exploring the Mauritanian pharmaceutical landscape through visits to LABOREX Mauritanie – CFAO Healthcare, a key player in pharmaceutical distribution, and then to Groupe Chinguitty Pharma, a leading local company in the distribution of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and parapharmaceutical products.

The delegation then visited the National Hospital Center, the country's largest public hospital, where discussions highlighted specific needs in terms of equipment, workflow management, and digital solutions. A meeting with MauriMedis, a company specializing in the distribution of pharmaceuticals and laboratory equipment, identified concrete synergies with Tunisian offerings. The day concluded with an institutional exchange with the National Health Federation, providing a comprehensive overview of the sector's challenges and paving the way for more structured cooperation among professionals.

Finally, the fifth day was marked by a visit to the University of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry in Nouakchott, illustrating the importance of the link between education, research, and innovation. The mission concluded on a friendly and personal note with a cultural tour of the city of Nouakchott, strengthening the bonds between participants and allowing for a more complete immersion in Mauritanian life.

🙏 A huge thank you to all our hosts for their warm welcome, their availability and the high quality of the exchanges, which made this mission a key step for the development of sustainable cooperation between Tunisia and Mauritania.

⭐ The first cohort of Expan'Africa is supported by the Qawafel project, funded by the AFD - French Development Agency, and implemented by Expertise France.