Casablanca – OCP, Morocco’s leading fertilizer group, is advancing its commitment to sustainable agricultural development across Africa with the launch of several key initiatives aimed at addressing food security and enhancing productivity in the region. The company’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to foster economic growth and build resilience in Africa’s agricultural sector.
In a recent move, OCP Africa unveiled its collaboration with USAID on the Farmer Service Centers (FSC) project in Rwanda. This initiative, executed in partnership with the Rwanda Fertilizer Company (RFC) and the international NGO CNFA, is designed to provide smallholder farmers with direct access to essential agricultural inputs and services. The project, part of the USAID “Feed the Future” program, aims to establish seven FSCs across Rwanda, which will support over 150,000 farmers. The centers will offer a range of services, including access to fertilizers, improved seeds, pest control products, and agronomic advice, all aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and fostering long-term sustainability.
In addition to this, OCP Africa is also backing initiatives like the OCP School Lab project, which offers soil testing and management services to 30,000 farmers in Rwanda. This program is designed to enhance soil health and optimize farming practices, which are crucial for improving crop yields.
Beyond Rwanda, OCP’s operations span multiple African nations, with ongoing projects in countries like Benin, where the company has partnered with the World Bank to improve soil fertility. A recent workshop in Benin, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, identified key agricultural sectors and priority intervention areas, marking a significant step in enhancing agricultural productivity in the region.
The Rwanda Fertilizer Company, a joint venture between OCP Africa and the Rwandan Government, is central to these efforts. The company operates a modern fertilizer blending factory in the Bugesera Special Economic Zone, with a capacity of 100,000 tons annually. With over 30 employees, RFC is actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at improving soil health, such as soil fertility mapping and the development of a farmer credit scoring model to facilitate access to financing.
OCP’s commitment to sustainable agriculture also includes a focus on fostering local partnerships and synergies. The company’s partnerships with local and international organizations are intended to help Africa develop its own model for a sustainable agricultural revolution, one that is both productive and environmentally responsible.
CEO Mostafa Terrab has long emphasized the potential for Africa to lead the way in creating a self-sufficient agricultural sector. He has pointed to the critical role fertilizers can play in boosting crop yields and maintaining soil health, which are essential for meeting the continent’s growing food demands.
Through these initiatives, OCP aims to address the pressing agricultural challenges facing Africa while contributing to the region’s economic development and sustainability goals. The company’s projects across the continent reflect a growing commitment to creating long-lasting impact in rural economies and promoting a more sustainable agricultural future for Africa.
