Casablanca – The OCP Group, a global leader in phosphate-based fertilizers, has secured approximately $376 million in financing from the French Development Agency (AFD) to support its ambitious green investment strategy for the 2023–2027 period. This funding agreement marks a significant step in OCP’s ongoing transition toward low-carbon operations and reinforces its role in promoting sustainable agriculture across Africa.

The newly signed agreement is part of a broader partnership between the Moroccan industrial giant and AFD, aimed at accelerating the shift to renewable energy, enhancing water sustainability, and boosting the production of environmentally friendly fertilizers. The green investment program supported by this financing has a total estimated budget of $13 billion.

Supporting a major energy transition

A central pillar of OCP’s strategy is achieving full carbon neutrality across its operations by 2040. As part of this transformation, the group plans to rely entirely on renewable energy sources by 2027. Simultaneously, it aims to cover all its industrial water needs using non-conventional sources, such as seawater desalination and wastewater treatment.

This energy transition is not limited to operational changes. The group also plans to significantly expand its capacity to produce low-carbon fertilizers by integrating green ammonia — a renewable-based chemical compound that will become a core component in OCP’s fertilizer manufacturing process. These efforts are designed to reduce the company’s overall carbon footprint while maintaining high standards of agricultural productivity.

AFD’s financing will be disbursed based on measurable performance indicators, with specific targets including:

• Increased production capacity of renewable energy and non-conventional water
• Development of green hydrogen and green ammonia production
• Integration of climate and biodiversity considerations into OCP’s corporate risk management systems

According to OCP, this approach ensures that the financing supports results-based progress and aligns with global sustainability objectives.

Focus on sustainable agriculture in Africa

Beyond industrial goals, the partnership has a strong agricultural and social dimension. OCP intends to leverage its expertise to develop fertilizers specifically adapted to the diverse soil and climate conditions found across Africa. These green fertilizers are designed not only to boost yields but also to minimize environmental impact.

The group is also promoting precision agriculture techniques, which combine digital tools and data to optimize farming practices. By integrating such technologies, OCP aims to support farmers in improving efficiency, reducing waste, and coping with the challenges posed by climate change.

A key part of this effort involves facilitating access to financing and agricultural markets, particularly for smallholder farmers in Africa. OCP’s broader strategy aligns with global goals for food security, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development.

MAVA platform: Strengthening agricultural value chains

As part of their extended collaboration, OCP and AFD also signed a second agreement on April 17, 2025, to support the MAVA platform — short for Mobilizing for Agricultural Value Chains in Africa. Led by the innovation center INNOVX, this initiative seeks to enhance agricultural value chains through an integrated approach.

The platform focuses on enabling access to finance, promoting the adoption of technological solutions, and improving market connectivity. By supporting startups and local initiatives, MAVA aims to build more resilient and sustainable food systems across the African continent.

According to both parties, this initiative is vital for empowering local agricultural actors and promoting inclusive economic development. It also complements the green transformation underway at OCP by extending the impact of sustainable practices beyond the industrial sector to the entire agricultural ecosystem.

A shared vision for sustainable development

Commenting on the partnership, AFD Deputy Director General Marie-Hélène Loison highlighted the alignment between the two organizations: “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to building development models that are low-emission, fair, and sustainable.”

With operations in more than 160 countries, AFD supports a wide range of projects focusing on climate change, biodiversity, gender equality, and global health. Its support for OCP reinforces the agency’s strategy to enable just and secure transitions toward sustainable economies, particularly in developing regions.

OCP, which employs over 17,000 people and serves more than 350 clients worldwide, reported revenues of over $9 billion in 2024. The company sees its green investment plan not only as an environmental necessity but also as a long-term strategic advantage.

As global industries face increasing pressure to decarbonize, the OCP-AFD partnership is positioned as a leading example of how industrial transformation, environmental responsibility, and agricultural development can move forward hand in hand.