• Bank Zero operates as a fully mobile bank where all services run through a dedicated application.

• The platform offers no monthly fees, no minimum income requirements, and flexible multi-account management.

• The bank applies charges on cash transactions while maintaining free digital services such as balance checks via the app.

Line Wiid analyzes the limitations of traditional banking systems and introduces greater flexibility and transparency through a fully digital model. She co-founded and serves as executive director and chief financial officer of Bank Zero, a mobile banking institution targeting both individuals and businesses.

Founded in 2018, Bank Zero operates entirely through a mobile application. The platform allows users to complete all banking operations digitally.

The account opening process begins with the creation of a personal profile, which the system uses for identity verification and regulatory compliance. Once the platform validates the profile, the user accesses a dashboard that allows the addition of multiple accounts or profiles, including those for business activities.

The application allows users to check balances, make payments, manage cards, and create or administer multiple accounts tailored to personal, family, or professional needs.

For individual customers, Bank Zero offers accounts with no monthly fees, no minimum income requirements, and no minimum balance constraints. Users can also add savings or notice accounts without incurring opening or maintenance fees. In addition, the platform allows users to set savings goals directly within the application.

However, the bank applies fees to cash-related transactions. The platform offers free balance inquiries through the application and free daily statements sent via email.

In contrast, the bank charges fees for balance inquiries conducted at point-of-sale terminals or automated teller machines. It also charges cash withdrawal fees based on transaction amounts, with higher tariffs applied to withdrawals made abroad.

Line Wiid graduated from the University of South Africa in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She later earned a master’s degree in IT auditing from the University of Johannesburg in 1995.

She began her career in 1988 at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she worked as an assistant audit manager. In 1994, she joined Capespan International as a management accountant. Subsequently, she worked at First National Bank from 1996 to 2015, where she held roles including chief financial officer, product and marketing head, and chief of staff to the chief executive officer.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• Authorities plan to digitize services under the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour, including administrative processes and portals.

• The initiative remains at the discussion stage, with no implementation timeline announced.

• Youth unemployment remains high, with 47% of Mauritanians aged 18–35 actively seeking jobs.

Mauritania is accelerating the digitalization of public services. The latest step involves the dematerialization of the driver’s license application process. Authorities are also working to digitize services linked to the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour. The initiative aims to modernize the administration, simplify procedures, and improve citizens’ access to public services.

The project formed the focus of a meeting earlier this week between Mariem Boidiel Houmeid and Ahmed Salem Ould Bede.

During the meeting, the minister stated that the objective was to present the sector’s needs in terms of IT systems and service digitalization in order to identify appropriate solutions.

Authorities proposed several projects. These include the creation of a public service portal integrated into the “Khidmati” system, the launch of an administrative decision management service linked to the human resources system, and the digitalization of activities within the Directorate General of Labour and regional offices.

Ahmed Salem Ould Bede reaffirmed his department’s commitment to support the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour in implementing these priorities. He stated that his ministry would provide the necessary technical solutions and ensure interoperability between information systems. He also called for teamwork and rigorous coordination to accelerate the execution of proposed projects, which he said would directly improve service quality.

This initiative forms part of Mauritania’s broader digital transformation strategy. Authorities aim to leverage information and communication technologies to support development across all sectors of the economy. In public administration, the government prioritizes process and service digitalization to enhance transparency, productivity, and access for citizens.

Improving productivity and efficiency within the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour could support better service delivery and strengthen the labor market. According to Afrobarometer data published in 2024, 47% of Mauritanians aged 18 to 35 are unemployed and actively seeking work. This figure slightly exceeds the national average of 44%. The report also states that 26% of young people remain unemployed and do not seek work.

However, the digitalization process remains at the discussion stage. Authorities have not announced any timeline. Therefore, stakeholders will need to await further developments to assess implementation progress and potential impacts.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum