Mauritania, not a member state of any free trade area on the continent, stands to benefit greatly from the AfCFTA. Mauritania's Association Agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) means that its trade with ECOWAS states under the ETLS will continue under the AfCFTA.

Mauritania will be open to new preferential trading opportunities under the AfCFTA - including all non-ECOWAS member states. This could mean preferential market access in 43 African states currently subject to WTO (World Trade Organization) MFN (Most Favoured Nation) rates.