Casablanca – The OCP Group, a global leader in phosphate-based fertilizers, has secured a landmark non-sovereign partial credit guarantee of $486 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support its ambitious Green Investment Program for 2023–2030. This mechanism, deployed for the first time in Morocco, represents a major step in advancing sustainable finance in the Kingdom and highlights Morocco’s pioneering role in green financial initiatives across Africa.

The guarantee, approved by the AfDB Board of Directors, enables OCP to mobilize up to $572 million in loans from international financial institutions. These funds are intended to support the company’s transition toward low-carbon fertilizer production, expand renewable energy capacity, and implement sustainable water management practices across its industrial sites. The initiative also contributes to broader continental objectives, including enhancing food security and addressing climate challenges.

Leveraging the AfDB’s AAA credit rating, the guarantee provides OCP with a powerful mechanism to attract international capital in support of its sustainability objectives. It underpins the group’s efforts to produce low-carbon fertilizers, expand renewable energy infrastructure, and adopt sustainable water-management solutions—key elements for food and climate security across Africa.

Financing sustainable and low-carbon projects

The funding secured through the guarantee is intended to facilitate a broad portfolio of green projects across OCP’s operations. These projects are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, improve energy and water efficiency, and promote sustainable agricultural practices that preserve soil health. According to the AfDB, the program is projected to prevent more than 43 million tons of CO₂ emissions between 2026 and 2038.

The investment portfolio will also promote the development of renewable energy infrastructure within OCP’s industrial operations. The group recently commissioned Morocco’s largest photovoltaic plant, totaling 202 MWp across three solar sites, marking a first step toward its goal of covering 100% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2027. The integration of renewable energy is part of OCP’s broader strategy to minimize the carbon footprint of its fertilizer production while securing long-term operational sustainability.

Economic and social impact

Beyond environmental benefits, the green investment program is expected to generate substantial social and economic returns. Thousands of jobs are anticipated to be created, particularly for young people and women in the regions where OCP operates. By combining environmental sustainability with job creation, the program contributes to inclusive economic development and strengthens the resilience of local communities.

The initiative aligns with the AfDB’s “Cardinal Points” strategy, specifically Point 1, which focuses on mobilizing financial resources to support sustainable development across Africa, and Point 4, which emphasizes the creation of resilient, value-generating infrastructure. By supporting OCP, the AfDB reinforces its commitment to partnering with industrial leaders whose operations have strategic significance for the continent’s financial and economic ecosystem.

A model for sustainable finance in Morocco and Africa

The guarantee represents a new model for sustainable finance in Morocco, where green financing instruments have so far been limited. It is expected to inspire similar initiatives that leverage international capital for climate-friendly projects and infrastructure development. By facilitating access to long-term, low-cost financing, the AfDB’s guarantee strengthens OCP’s capacity to scale up its investments in clean technologies, low-emission production, and water-efficient solutions, which are critical to achieving both national and continental sustainability goals.

OCP’s Green Investment Program, supported by this unprecedented guarantee, positions the company as a global leader in sustainable agriculture and industrial operations. It highlights Morocco’s role as a hub for innovative financial mechanisms that enable private-sector investment in environmentally responsible and socially inclusive projects. The program reflects a holistic approach, combining renewable energy, resource efficiency, carbon reduction, and community development, and sets a benchmark for industrial sustainability across Africa and beyond.

Looking ahead

As OCP continues to expand its green portfolio, the company is expected to deepen international partnerships and further integrate sustainable practices across its operations. The AfDB’s support through this $486 million guarantee illustrates the potential of collaborative financial tools to drive both environmental and economic transformation, reinforcing the importance of aligning corporate strategies with broader climate and development agendas.

By ensuring long-term financing for OCP’s Green Investment Program, the initiative not only contributes to reducing carbon emissions but also strengthens the company’s operational independence, promotes renewable energy adoption, and supports the development of resilient, sustainable industrial infrastructure—elements essential to Africa’s sustainable growth trajectory.