Maalhadet
By ✍️: Dr. Abdelali Tahiri
In a global context dominated by the logic of finance, profit margins, aggressive market competition, and where emotional sensitivity is often dismissed as a weakness, exceptional figures rise to prominence—business leaders for whom human dignity and altruism remain guiding principles. These individuals, regardless of their social standing or economic influence, stay rooted in values of generosity and benevolence, navigating life with a compass of compassion.
Today, we shed light on one such exemplary personality: a towering economic figure, distinguished equally by his intellectual, cultural, and educational journey—a self-made man whose life path serves as a model worth studying and emulating.
He is Professor Mohamed Ould Bouamatou—yes, Professor, for he was first and foremost an educator and mentor before embarking on a journey that would place him among the most influential business leaders in North Africa and the Middle East. His investment vision spans multiple sectors, including banking, telecommunications, real estate, and energy.
Mohamed Ould Bouamatou: The Educator and Mentor
Born in 1953 in Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Bouamatou began his professional life in the field of education before transitioning into business, where he would become one of the country’s and continent’s most prominent investors. In addition to his remarkable economic career, he has been a major force in philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives at national, regional, and international levels.
Early Life and Beginnings
Ould Bouamatou was born in 1953 in Mauritania during a time of significant economic and social transformation. Raised in modest circumstances, he began his professional journey as a teacher. Though successful in education, his ambition soon led him to explore new opportunities in business. In his twenties, he ventured into trade and investment, setting in motion the foundations of what would become a vast economic empire.
A Visionary Businessman
In a pivotal life transition, Mohamed Ould Bouamatou moved from education to business at an early age. He displayed extraordinary foresight in investing and strategically allocating resources into vital sectors of the Mauritanian economy. Starting with small ventures, he gradually built a vast and diverse business empire.
General Bank of Mauritania (GBM): The Financial Engine of the Mauritanian Economy
In 1995, Ould Bouamatou founded the General Bank of Mauritania (GBM), which has since become one of the country’s leading financial institutions. GBM has played a key role in fostering financial stability, promoting domestic and foreign investment, and supporting the broader national development agenda.
Entering the Telecommunications Sector
Furthering his commitment to economic development in Mauritania, Ould Bouamatou was a key figure in establishing Mattel, a telecommunications company launched in 2000. One of the first companies of its kind in the country, Mattel significantly improved access to mobile services during the early stages of telecom infrastructure development.
Diverse Investment Portfolio
Mohamed Ould Bouamatou’s investments extend beyond banking and telecommunications to include real estate, energy, and other key economic sectors. These ventures have significantly contributed to economic growth and regional financial stability.
Voluntary Exile and Triumphant Return
Following political tensions with former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Bouamatou went into voluntary exile, spending several years in Morocco and France. Despite his physical absence, he remained deeply engaged with Mauritania’s political and economic developments, contributing from afar to the country’s security, stability, and progress.
After the election of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani in 2019, Bouamatou returned home in March 2020. His return was met with widespread public and official appreciation, recognizing his longstanding contributions to the economic and social development of Mauritania.
Philanthropy and Humanitarian Commitment
Mohamed Ould Bouamatou’s impact reaches far beyond business. His deep and ongoing commitment to improving the lives of citizens across Mauritania and neighboring countries has manifested in numerous health, education, and social integration initiatives.
Key humanitarian projects include:
▪︎ The Eye Hospital – One of his flagship charitable initiatives, the hospital specializes in ophthalmic surgery and vision care, providing approximately 511,222 consultations annually, conducting over 34,408 surgeries, and offering corrective treatment to more than 239,566 patients. It stands as one of Mauritania’s most important medical institutions.
▪︎ Trachoma Eradication Campaigns Bouamatou has sponsored extensive medical campaigns in Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire, and Niger to combat trachoma, aiming to improve public eye health in underserved communities.
▪︎ COVID-19 Pandemic Response – During the COVID-19 pandemic, he supported Mauritania’s government with crucial medical supplies and logistical aid, playing a key role in mitigating the health crisis.
The Equal Opportunities Foundation in Africa
In 2015, Bouamatou established the Foundation for Equal Opportunities in Africa, a charitable organization officially recognized by Royal Decree No. WL22/16.610 dated August 10, 2015. The foundation supports initiatives promoting equity across Africa, focusing on education, health, justice, and human rights. It was officially launched at the European Parliament in Brussels on January 18, 2016.
Women’s Empowerment Programs
Bouamatou has been a steadfast advocate for women’s empowerment through various educational and social initiatives:
Locally, he contributed to expanding the maternity and child unit at Sheikh Zayed Hospital in 2004, improving healthcare services for women and children.
Regionally and internationally, he funded a girls’ boarding center in rural Morocco and helped establish a rural girls’ school in Côte d’Ivoire.
He also actively supported UNESCO events focused on advancing women’s leadership and rights across Africa and the Arab world.
Global Recognition and Distinction
Mohamed Ould Bouamatou’s contributions—spanning development, philanthropy, education, and health—have earned him prestigious international honors:
In Nouakchott, he was awarded the Chevalier or the Legion of Honour by the French Republic, presented by French Ambassador Alexandre Garcia.
In Senegal, on behalf of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko awarded him the Commander of the National Order of the Lion for his role in strengthening Senegal-Mauritania relations.
In his remarks, Bouamatou expressed deep gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering cooperation and shared prosperity across the region.
These honors are but a few of many that acknowledge Mohamed Ould Bouamatou’s wide-ranging and impactful contributions—economic, social, and humanitarian—that continue to shape Mauritania and extend throughout Africa and beyond.
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