Mauritania Billionaires: Meet The Top 10 Richest Men In Mauritania
Hey guys! Let’s take a short detour from all the usual hustle and bustle and travel—well, not physically—to a North African country that doesn’t usually make headlines: Mauritania.
Now I know what you’re thinking, “Where’s that one again?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Mauritania is that quiet, mostly desert country tucked between Senegal and Western Sahara, just chilling at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. It's got camels, gold, iron ore, and—wait for it—a few really, really rich men who are living the dream in a land where most people are just trying to make ends meet.
Yes oh, Mauritania has its own money kings, and today we’re going to meet them. Some made their wealth from business, others from politics, and a few managed to mix both like a good smoothie. But no matter how they got there, their bank accounts are doing somersaults while the rest of us are managing rice and beans.
So grab your popcorn—or suya—and let’s gist about the 10 richest men in Mauritania!
1. Mohamed Ould Bouamatou – The Don of Mauritanian Business
Let’s start with the big fish. Or should I say, the whale? Because when it comes to wealth in Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Bouamatou is basically the godfather.
This man is not your average businessman. He’s the founder of the first private bank in the country—Générale de Banque de Mauritanie (GBM). But he didn’t stop there. He also owns major stakes in Mattel, one of the top telecom providers. That’s like saying he owns part of Glo or MTN. Imagine that kind of money!
Now, Bouamatou isn’t just rich—he’s also a philanthropist. He supports human rights and healthcare initiatives across Mauritania. The man is out here saving lives while stacking coins. If you’re looking for someone who blends heart and hustle, this is your guy.
How he got rich: Banking, telecom, aviation, and a sharp business brain.
Extra points for: Donating millions to free eye surgery programs. Yes, he’s literally helping people see again.
2. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz – Former President, Present Billionaire
Now we move to someone whose journey to wealth is a little… how do I put this nicely? Let’s just say power met profit.
Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz was Mauritania’s president from 2008 to 2019. And while he was supposed to be serving the people, the man was allegedly busy serving his pockets too. According to reports, he had access to millions of dollars worth of assets—properties, land, and maybe even a few offshore accounts (wink).
In 2023, the law finally caught up with him. He was convicted of corruption and sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2025. But let’s be honest—when you’ve already built such massive wealth, a jail term might just feel like a sabbatical. After all, rich men don’t eat beans and garri in prison.
How he got rich: Through political power and controversial wealth accumulation.
Still influential? Maybe not in politics, but definitely in the Mauritanian money scene.
3. Mohamed Ould Ghazouani – The Silent Operator
Let’s talk about the current president of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. If Aziz was the loud money spender, Ghazouani is the quiet wealth keeper. He’s not flashy, doesn’t shout on social media, but trust me—this man has influence and probably more assets than you can count.
Before becoming president in 2019, he was the army chief. Yes, a general! That alone gave him access to juicy contracts, connections, and national budgets. Now that he’s sitting at the very top of government, don’t be surprised if his net worth is comfortably chilling in the millions.
How he got rich: Political leadership, military background, and state control.
Bonus points for: Keeping a low profile while commanding serious wealth.
4. Sidi Ould Tah – The Banker in Government Robes
Next on our list is a man who proves you don’t need to hold a gun or win elections to build wealth. Sometimes, all you need is a calculator, a brain full of finance formulas, and access to international funding.
Sidi Ould Tah has worn many hats: former Minister of Economy & Finance, Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, and now President-elect of the African Development Bank.
This man is basically Mauritania’s version of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, but with more bank-related responsibilities. While he may not be buying private jets like a Hollywood celebrity, best believe he’s managing billions and is very, very comfortable.
How he got rich: Public finance, international banking, and multilateral institutions.
Special skill: Turning policy into profit.
5. Yahya Ould Hademine – The Engineer Who Engineered Wealth
Yahya Ould Hademine is another example of how government positions can open the gates of serious wealth. He started off as an engineer with SNIM (Mauritania’s national mining company) and climbed all the way up to become Prime Minister.
From mines to ministries, this guy knows where the money flows. And in a country where iron ore is king, having SNIM experience is like working in Dangote’s factory—money must follow.
How he got rich: Mining contracts, prime ministerial perks, and government projects.
Low-key fact: He probably made his first millions underground—literally.
6. Mohamed Salem Ould Béchir – The Utility King
If you’ve ever paid an electricity bill, then you’ll understand the power (pun intended) of utility companies. Mohamed Salem Ould Béchir ran SOMELEC (Mauritania’s electricity provider) and later held multiple ministerial roles, including Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs.
Between controlling national electricity, petroleum, and mining sectors, he’s seen more financial figures than most bankers. And while his name doesn’t trend online, insiders know he’s one of the wealthiest men in the land.
How he got rich: Utilities, mining, petroleum, and strategic political roles.
Most likely to: Charge you for light and still smile like he did you a favor.
What We Can Learn from These Mauritanian Money Kings
So what do we take away from all this? First, Mauritania’s wealth scene is different. It’s not all tech startups and celebrity endorsements like in the West. In Mauritania, it’s about access, government roles, and control of national resources.
If you can get close to mining, banking, or the presidency, you’re on the right path to becoming a multimillionaire.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet from their playbook:
| Rank | Name | Wealth Source | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohamed Ould Bouamatou | Banking, telecom, aviation | Top businessman & philanthropist |
| 2 | Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz | Presidency, state assets | Former president, convicted for graft |
| 3 | Mohamed Ould Ghazouani | Military, politics | Current president, low-key rich |
| 4 | Sidi Ould Tah | Banking, finance policy | AfDB president-elect |
| 5 | Yahya Ould Hademine | Mining, politics | Engineer turned PM |
| 6 | Mohamed Salem Ould Béchir | Utilities, petroleum, politics | State minister and energy sector head |
Final Thoughts – Can You Be Next?
Before you pack your bags to Mauritania thinking you’ll strike gold, remember—most of these men built their wealth over decades. It wasn’t overnight. Some had privilege, others had power, and a few just had mad business sense.
If there’s one thing we can take from them, it’s that strategy is everything. Whether in politics or business, you need vision, connections, and consistency. And if you’re dreaming of building your empire, start today—just maybe not by trying to become a president (unless you have a good lawyer).
Thanks for reading! Want me to break down how some of these guys made their first million in detail? Or do you want to compare them with Nigerian billionaires? Let me know in the comments or DM me on social media—we’re just getting started!
