Kiffa

Kiffa is one of Mauritania’s principal inland cities and an important service centre between Nouakchott and the country’s eastern regions. Rapid urbanisation in a dry climate places pressure on public space, roads, water and municipal services, while local authorities need stronger planning and financial capacity to manage growth.

The MOUDOUN programme places Kiffa among its priority intermediate cities, combining participatory planning, municipal capacity building and urban infrastructure. Recent investment has included a new public square and other improvements intended to make the city more inclusive and resilient. Fibre-optic infrastructure has also strengthened Kiffa’s connection to national communications networks. These measures illustrate how physical and digital infrastructure can reinforce a regional centre, provided that new urban development remains coordinated with public services and local planning.