Press Relations in Mauritania: A Practical Guide to Communicate Effectively

Introduction

With a small but strategic media market, Mauritania offers opportunities for brands and organizations that know how to adapt their communication.
This guide explains how to approach Mauritanian media and effectively share your messages.

1. Mauritania at a Glance

• Capital: Nouakchott

• Population: ~4.3 million

• Area: Over 1 million km²

• Languages: Arabic (official), French (used in press and administration)

• System: Islamic republic, majority Muslim

• Specificity: Strong cultural identity, relative political stability since 2019

2. Press Freedom: Between Openness and Caution

• Legal framework: Freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution

• Sensitive areas: Army, religion, slavery, corruption

• Self-censorship: Widely practiced among journalists

• RSF ranking: “Partly free” country

• Media landscape: Public media dominate, limited private funding

• New players: Growth of online news portals in major cities

Key takeaway: There is media openness, but it comes with taboos and a relationship-driven market.

3. Key Media in Mauritania

Print Media

• Horizons (public daily – French)

• Chaab (public daily – Arabic)

• Le Défi (private – popular tabloid)

• L’Express

• Le Mauricien

• Weekend

Radio

• Radio Mauritanie (public – highly listened to)

• Radio Plus (private – Défimédia Group)

Television

• Mauritania Television (public)

• MBC (public channel, not seen as independent)

Online Press

• Several emerging news sites in Nouakchott, audience still limited

4. Specificities of Press Relations in Mauritania

• Small market: Personal networks are crucial

• Editorial content: Free publication if the topic is of interest, but advertorials are paid

• Pricing: No fixed rates, case-by-case negotiation

• Multi-platform journalists: One contact may open several doors

• Direct communication: Phone calls or WhatsApp often work better than email

Social media: an essential channel
In Mauritania, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) play a central role in communication. They are widely used for e-commerce and visibility campaigns, often surpassing traditional websites in reach and engagement.
To succeed, it is crucial to integrate social media into your communication strategy, alongside traditional press relations.

5. Tips for Distributing a Press Release

• Identify the right outlets depending on your target (print, radio, TV)

• Adapt the tone and format to local expectations

• Start with an email, then follow up quickly by phone or WhatsApp

• Budget for advertorials if necessary

• Build personal trust with local journalists

• Always share your announcements on social media to expand reach and maximize campaign impact

Conclusion

In Mauritania, press relations rely heavily on trust and direct contact. But to maximize visibility, brands must harness the power of social media, which are the most popular channels among both consumers and businesses.
By combining traditional media outreach with digital strategies, you can optimize your campaigns and effectively reach your audience.