Casablanca – As Morocco continues to grapple with severe water scarcity, the OCP Group, a global leader in phosphate-based plant nutrition solutions, is spearheading efforts to address the country’s water crisis and improve food security across Africa. In partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, OCP has secured a loan of $108 million to finance a groundbreaking water infrastructure project that promises to supply sustainable water sources to Morocco’s agricultural, industrial, and residential sectors.

The project involves building a 219-kilometer pipeline and a modern pumping station to carry desalinated water from Jorf Lasfar, a city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, to OCP’s industrial sites in Khouribga, the country’s main phosphate production area. The pipeline, with an annual capacity of 80 million cubic meters, will provide a steady water supply for OCP’s operations and free up valuable water resources for farmers, businesses, and households in the Khouribga region.

A strategic response to water scarcity

Water scarcity has become one of Morocco’s most pressing challenges, impacting agricultural productivity and economic growth. In response, OCP has ramped up efforts to secure non-conventional water sources, such as desalinated water and treated wastewater, to support its growing industrial needs and provide surplus water to local communities.

“The support from IFC comes at a pivotal time when addressing water scarcity is not just a local priority, but a global challenge,” said Mostafa Terrab, CEO of OCP Group. “This project reflects OCP’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and innovation. By securing a reliable source of desalinated water, we are not only future-proofing our operations but also supporting the communities around us.”

The project is well underway, with the pipeline construction already in advanced stages. Once completed, the infrastructure will ensure a sustainable water supply for OCP’s fertilizer production facilities and reduce pressure on Morocco’s overstressed natural water resources.

A broader vision for Africa’s food security

The pipeline project is part of OCP Green Water, an ambitious program led by OCP’s subsidiary, aimed at providing 100% of the Group’s water needs through non-conventional sources by the end of 2024. As part of a $650 million investment, OCP plans to reach an annual desalination capacity of 560 million cubic meters by 2027, complemented by 60 million cubic meters of treated wastewater. This infrastructure will serve as a foundation for addressing both local and regional water challenges, with excess capacity available for agricultural and community use.

In addition to improving water security, OCP’s efforts align with broader initiatives to enhance food security across Africa. The pipeline project, alongside OCP’s other sustainability-driven investments in green fertilizers and renewable energy, is integral to the Group’s strategy to strengthen the resilience of African agriculture against the impacts of climate change.

Sustainability at the core

OCP’s water program is part of a broader strategy focused on sustainable growth and environmental responsibility. By 2030, the pipeline and other key infrastructure projects will be fully powered by renewable energy sources, further reducing the environmental footprint of OCP’s operations and supporting Morocco’s commitment to combat climate change.

As Morocco continues to prioritize sustainable development, OCP’s water initiative is closely aligned with the World Bank Group’s strategy in the country, which emphasizes climate resilience and resource sustainability. With a vision to become carbon neutral by 2040, OCP is committed to using 100% clean energy by 2027 and achieving full water autonomy with non-conventional sources by 2024.

Decades of impact

OCP and IFC have a history of collaboration dating back to 2021, working together on a range of initiatives from building solar plants and producing green fertilizers to promoting gender equality in the workforce. Active in Morocco for more than 60 years, IFC has invested over $1 billion in recent years to support sustainable economic development in the country.

As OCP looks toward the future, its continued focus on sustainability, innovation, and partnership will be critical in addressing Morocco’s water crisis while laying the groundwork for greater food security across Africa. Through these efforts, OCP is leading by example, demonstrating how the private sector can drive meaningful change in the face of global challenges.