The National Strategy for Open and Interoperable Data of Mauritania

The National Strategy for Open and Interoperable Data of Mauritania is a transformative framework designed to harness the power of data as a catalyst for socioeconomic development. Anchored in the vision of a modern, transparent, and efficient digital ecosystem, this strategy sets the foundation for leveraging data to enhance governance, foster innovation, and improve public services. By addressing the dual imperatives of data openness and interoperability, it aims to unlock the full potential of public and private data as a shared resource for economic growth, citizen engagement, and administrative excellence.

Mauritania’s approach reflects a governmental solid commitment to digital transformation, as articulated in its broader National Digital Transformation Agenda 2022-2025. Within this context, the strategy seeks to position the country as a leader in adopting global best practices for open data governance and cross-sector collaboration. It sets forth three main goals:

• Transparency and participation: Promote governmental transparency and citizen involvement.
• Efficiency: Improve the efficiency of public administration.
• Innovation and competitiveness: Stimulate innovation and competitiveness by leveraging open data.

The strategy is structured around three strategic axes:

1. Facilitating the exchange of data by establishing a framework for interoperability among government entities.
2. Creating a robust governance framework for open data while aligning with the Open Government Partnership (OGP) principles.
3. Promoting the use of open data as a resource for innovation and development across various sectors.

To enable effective data exchange, the strategy emphasises interoperability. It proposes the adoption of shared standards and protocols to ensure that systems communicate seamlessly, reducing redundancy and improving efficiency. Legislative reforms are recommended to harmonise laws with global standards, particularly in areas like cross-border data flow and public access to information.

The governance framework includes establishing a centralised open data portal. This portal aims to provide easy access to data for both citizens and organisations, with functionalities like real-time updates and interactive features. A clear operational and regulatory structure will govern the portal, supported by trained personnel to ensure data quality and compliance with privacy standards.

The strategy also stresses the importance of innovation by encouraging the private sector and civil society to utilise open data for developing new services and products. Digital transformation within government is another priority, with a focus on providing user-centric, data-driven services that align with global best practices.

Mauritania’s approach is informed by international benchmarks from countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal. Morocco focuses on digital governance and legal frameworks for open data, Tunisia employs a user-focused model emphasising administrative simplification, and Senegal integrates open data initiatives into its national digital strategy to drive economic impact.

To support implementation, the strategy proposes key enablers. These include strengthening governance and regulation by clearly defining roles and responsibilities, aligning legal frameworks with international standards, and promoting public-private partnerships. Capacity development is also essential, with initiatives to train public officials and foster collaborations with academic and private institutions to develop local expertise in data management and ICT.

Awareness campaigns and ecosystem development are also vital to the success of the strategy. These initiatives aim to create a culture of data sharing within public administration and civil society, driving innovation and ensuring sustainable benefits from open data initiatives.