Hogan Lovells advises European Investment Bank and African Development Bank on $275 million financing to modernize Mauritania’s railway network

Press releases | 01 December 2025

Global law firm Hogan Lovells has advised the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) on a $275 million financing granted to the National Industrial and Mining Company (SNIM) to support the modernization of Mauritania’s main railway corridor.

Under this agreement the AfDB will provide $150 million and the EIB $125 million to modernize the railway line that notably connects two strategic destinations: the iron mines of Zouerat in the northeast of the country and the Atlantic port of Nouadhibou.

This financing will enable SNIM to renovate the existing railway and build 42 kilometres of additional track connecting the future mining sites of El Aouj and Atomai. It will also allow for the acquisition of new locomotives, wagons, and maintenance equipment.

The Hogan Lovells team was composed of Olivier Fille-Lambie (partner), Alexandre Salem (senior associate), and Jeangély Ampion Liyono (associate) in project finance.