Mauritania's 1998-2001telecommunications reforms resemble many World Banksupported reform programs where overcoming capacityconstraints can determine success in achieving developmentoutcomes. Overcoming capacity constraints enabled thisdesert nation of over 2 million largely nomadic inhabitantsto attain unanticipated levels of outcomes in three years oftelecommunications reforms. New private investment of US$100 million in telecommunications was attracted over twoyears, equivalent to 10 percent of GDP; telephone lineaccess multiplied twenty-fold; 6,000 newtelecommunications-related jobs were created in the informalsector in the capital city (Noukachott) alone; and amultisector regulatory agency was established which is nowregarded as a model in Africa. From lacking critical skillsat the outset of these reforms, Mauritania became a sourceof lessons for neighboring countries on how to competitivelytender utility licenses, effectively regulate utilities in acompetitive setting, and privatize a telecommunicationsoperator. Support for this capacity enhancement came fromrelatively modest external assistance with an estimated costof slightly over one million dollars (World Bank Group stafftime as well as consultancy support).
PDF
download
878987797
028-85220240
