MUMBAI: UK pubcaster The BBC has become a radio player on the North African FM scene with the launch of two 24-hour FM relays in Mauritania.

BBC 106.9 FM in the capital, Nouakchott, and BBC 102.4 FM in the second largest city, Nouadhibou, now bring 24 hours a day of BBC Arabic programming to Mauritanian audiences.

As part of the agreement, the BBC has also provided Radio Mauritania staff with a training programme in broadcast journalism. Reports by the journalists who took part in the training programme will feature in a special edition of BBC Arabic service's daily magazine programme, BBC Xtra, which will be broadcast from Nouakchott tomorrow (13 April).

BBC World Service Business Development, Africa and Middle East Region head Simon Kendall said, "Mauritania is an important market for the BBC and it is the home of some of the BBC Arabic service's most loyal listeners. We are delighted to be able to provide our listeners in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou with the opportunity to receive their favourite BBC Arabic programmes in crystal-clear FM quality."