Casablanca – On October 2, 2024, OCP Africa, a subsidiary of Morocco’s OCP Group, signed a landmark agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture of Mali. Supported by the World Bank, this new partnership aims to revolutionize sustainable agriculture in the country by improving soil health and increasing access to essential resources for smallholder farmers.

This collaboration is part of ongoing initiatives led by OCP and the World Bank, which were highlighted during recent World Bank and IMF annual meetings in Marrakech. The agreement focuses on bringing innovative solutions to Mali’s agricultural sector, with the ultimate goal of uplifting farmers across West Africa and the Sahel region.

At the core of this partnership are several key initiatives. Experimental plots will be established to test advanced fertilization techniques, designed to restore soil fertility through a precision approach. This approach, driven by cutting-edge digital mapping technologies, will follow the principles of the “4Rs”—the right time, the right source, the right rate, and the right place. These innovations will enable farmers to apply fertilizers more effectively, improving crop yields and soil sustainability.

In addition to these experimental plots, OCP Africa plans to introduce next-generation Agricultural Service Centers. These hubs will disseminate best practices in agriculture, while mobile laboratory schools will travel across Mali, providing farmers with soil analysis and tailored agronomic advice. A digital platform will also connect farmers to local value chains, further integrating them into the regional agricultural economy.

A significant focus of this partnership is to empower young people and women in agriculture by promoting entrepreneurship in agritech. In collaboration with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, OCP Africa will establish training and incubation programs for agricultural startups, supported by venture capital funding to encourage local innovation.

This partnership embodies Morocco’s vision of South-South cooperation and strengthens the growing relationship between Morocco and Mali. It also highlights the shared commitment of OCP and the World Bank to drive agricultural transformation across the African continent.

Dr. Mohamed Anouar Jamali, CEO of OCP Africa, described the partnership as “a crucial step in our collective efforts to revitalize Mali’s agricultural sector.” He added, “Through the use of innovative technologies like precision fertilization and soil mapping, we aim to foster sustainable and thriving agricultural development for the country.”

OCP Africa’s commitment to Malian agriculture is long-standing. During the 2023/2024 season, the company supplied 15,000 tons of high-quality fertilizer to Malian farmers, and plans to increase this to 21,000 tons for the 2024/2025 season. In 2023 alone, 44 experimental plots were established for rice and maize crops, with a target of creating 200 more in key areas such as the Office du Niger. Additionally, OCP Africa launched a Geographic Information System (GIS) project aimed at labeling 20,000 agricultural plots, with an ambitious goal to reach 100,000 by the end of the year.

Since 2014, OCP Africa has trained thousands of Malian farmers in sustainable agricultural practices, further solidifying its role as a key player in Mali’s agricultural future. This latest partnership reaffirms OCP Africa’s long-term commitment to the country’s agricultural transformation, contributing to a more resilient and self-sufficient Mali.