Zeine Ould Zeidane

Zeine Ould Zeidane Biography | CEO of Petrosen | Mauritania Oil & Gas Leader Zeine Ould Zeidane: Architect of Mauritania's Energy Future

In the dynamic and strategically vital landscape of West African energy, few figures command as much respect as Zeine Ould Zeidane. As the Chief Executive Officer of Petrosen, the national oil, gas, and mining company of Mauritania, Zeidane stands at the helm of one of the region's most promising energy sectors. Born in 1970, his career trajectory mirrors the evolution of Mauritania itself, from a nation with untapped hydrocarbon potential to an emerging player on the global Oil & Gas stage. His leadership is pivotal in navigating the complex intersection of resource development, national economic growth, and international investment. The key achievement defining Zeine Ould Zeidane's tenure is his instrumental role in advancing the landmark Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) offshore gas project, a transformative cross-border initiative with Senegal that is set to catalyze economic growth for the entire nation. This biography delves into the life and career of the man steering Mauritania's energy destiny.

Early Life, Education, and Formative Years

Zeine Ould Zeidane was born in 1970, a period when Mauritania was establishing its post-colonial identity. Growing up in a nation rich in natural resources but facing significant developmental challenges, he was likely instilled with a deep understanding of the potential that lay beneath Mauritanian soil and waters. This early awareness of his country's natural wealth would later become the cornerstone of his professional mission.

Academic Foundation in Economics and Management

Zeidane pursued a rigorous academic path firmly rooted in Business & Economics, recognizing that effective resource management required robust financial and strategic frameworks. He earned a Master's degree in Management, equipping him with essential skills in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and economic analysis. To further solidify his expertise in the core discipline governing national development, he also obtained a Master's degree in Economics. This dual specialization in management and economics provided Zeine Ould Zeidane with a unique and powerful toolkit, allowing him to approach the energy sector not just as an engineer might, but as a strategist focused on maximizing value and sustainable growth for Mauritania.

Building a Career in Banking and Finance

Before ascending to the pinnacle of the energy sector, Zeine Ould Zeidane honed his skills in the world of high finance. He spent over a decade at the International Bank of Mauritania (BIM), where he rose to the position of Director of Large Enterprises. This experience was invaluable. It immersed him in the financial structures of Mauritanian industry, gave him firsthand insight into the capital needs of large-scale projects, and taught him how to evaluate risk and investment from a banker's perspective. This financial acumen would later prove critical in negotiating complex, multi-billion-dollar energy deals and ensuring their bankability.

Career Progression and Major Achievements at Petrosen

The journey of Zeine Ould Zeidane to the CEO office of Petrosen was a deliberate climb through the ranks, marked by increasing responsibility and demonstrated competence. His deep understanding of both Mauritanian economics and international finance made him a standout candidate for leadership within the state-owned company.

Rising Through the Ranks to Leadership

Zeidane joined Petrosen and quickly established himself as a key figure. He served as the Director of Hydrocarbon Promotion, a role in which he was directly responsible for marketing Mauritania's hydrocarbon potential to the world. This involved crafting licensing rounds, engaging with major international oil companies (IOCs), and negotiating preliminary agreements. His success in this promotional and strategic role led to his appointment as General Manager, where he oversaw the company's day-to-day operations and long-term strategy. His proven track record culminated in his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, placing him in charge of Mauritania's entire state interests in the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

Steward of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Mega-Project

The crowning achievement of Zeine Ould Zeidane's career to date is his leadership role in the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project. Discovered in 2015, this massive offshore gas field straddles the maritime border of Mauritania and Senegal. As CEO of Petrosen, Zeidane has been a principal negotiator and manager for the Mauritanian side. His work has been crucial in:

• Finalizing the groundbreaking Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between Mauritania and Senegal in 2018, ensuring equitable resource sharing.
• Managing the partnership with global energy giants like BP (operator), Kosmos Energy, and Senegal's Petrosen.
• Overseeing the development of an innovative floating LNG (FLNG) facility, which will process the gas for export.
• Advocating for local content policies to ensure Mauritanian businesses and workforce benefit from the project.

With Phase 1 targeting first gas, Zeidane's leadership is directly linked to a project that will provide a stable, long-term revenue stream for Mauritania, potentially doubling state revenues and transforming the national economy.

Diversifying Mauritania's Energy Portfolio

Beyond GTA, Zeine Ould Zeidane has worked to position Mauritania for a broader energy future. Under his guidance, Petrosen has actively promoted exploration in other offshore blocks, leading to new discoveries like the BirAllah gas resources. He also oversees the development of the Banda Gas-to-Power project, which aims to use domestic gas to generate electricity, addressing the nation's power needs and reducing reliance on imports. His vision extends to renewable energy, with Petrosen involved in major green hydrogen projects that leverage Mauritania's world-class solar and wind resources, positioning the country at the forefront of the future energy mix.

Personal Life, Legacy, and Lasting Impact

While Zeine Ould Zeidane maintains a relatively private personal life, his professional persona is that of a disciplined, analytical, and fiercely patriotic leader. Colleagues and industry observers describe him as a tough but fair negotiator who deeply understands the technical, economic, and political dimensions of the energy industry. His ability to communicate effectively with international investors, government officials, and technical teams has been a significant asset for Mauritania.

Shaping a National Legacy

The legacy of Zeine Ould Zeidane is being written in the contracts, infrastructure, and economic growth catalyzed by the hydrocarbon sector. He is widely seen as the key technocrat ensuring that Mauritania's resource wealth translates into tangible, long-term benefits for its people. His focus on strong governance, transparent processes, and strategic partnerships aims to avoid the "resource curse" that has plagued other nations. By championing both fossil fuel and renewable energy projects, he is building a legacy of energy sovereignty and economic diversification for Mauritania. His work is creating a blueprint for how a resource-rich West African nation can engage with global capital on its own terms.

Net Worth and Business Philosophy

As the CEO of a state-owned company, Zeine Ould Zeidane's personal net worth is not a matter of public record and is not the focus of his professional narrative. His role is that of a custodian of national assets rather than a private equity magnate. His "wealth" is measured in the success of the projects he manages for the state. His business philosophy, evident from his career, centers on several key principles:

• Value Maximization for Mauritania: Every negotiation and decision is filtered through the lens of national interest.
• Strategic Partnership: Building strong, equitable relationships with major IOCs to access capital and expertise.
• Financial Prudence: Leveraging his banking background to ensure projects are financially sound and sustainable.
• Long-Term Vision: Balancing immediate project goals with the long-term economic and energy future of the nation.

In essence, the business of Zeine Ould Zeidane is the development of Mauritania itself. His leadership at Petrosen continues to attract significant foreign direct investment, placing Mauritania firmly on the global Oil & Gas map and setting the foundation for a more prosperous and energy-secure future.