OCP Africa, a subsidiary of the OCP Group, a global leader in plant nutrition solutions and phosphate fertilizers, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mali’s Ministry of Agriculture, which aims to sustainably strengthen Malian agriculture by improving soil health and facilitating small farmers' access to essential inputs and services.
According to a statement received by Assahifa this partnership, supported by the World Bank, it follows the signing of a similar agreement between the OCP Group and the World Bank during the annual meetings of the World Bank and IMF in Marrakech, as part of initiatives to support farmers in West Africa and the Sahel.
The same source added that the partnership revolves around several key initiatives to enhance agriculture and promote soil health in Mali. First, OCP Africa will establish experimental plots to test innovative solutions designed to restore soil fertility. To this end, a digital mapping system will be developed, enabling precise fertilization based on the 4R principles: the right time, the right source, the right rate, and the right place.
In parallel, the project plans to establish new-generation Agricultural Service Centers, whose mission will be to disseminate best agricultural practices. A digital platform will facilitate the connection of farmers to agricultural value chains, while a mobile laboratory school will offer soil analyses and agronomic advice directly in the field.
Additionally, the partnership is committed to supporting youth and women's agricultural entrepreneurship by promoting agri-tech. This will include training programs, incubation, and acceleration of agri-tech startups, in partnership with the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, as well as the creation of an agricultural startup ecosystem, supported by venture capital funds to encourage local innovation.
This new agreement is part of South-South cooperation, illustrating the vision of King Mohammed VI for strengthened cooperation between African countries, specifically between Morocco and Mali. It also reflects the strong commitment of the World Bank alongside the OCP Group for agricultural development in Africa.
The CEO of OCP Africa, Dr. Mohamed Anouar Jamali, stated: "This partnership represents a crucial step in our collective efforts to revitalize the agricultural sector in Mali. Thanks to innovative technologies such as soil mapping and precision fertilization, we will contribute to sustainable and prosperous agricultural development for the country."
With this new partnership, the OCP Group, through OCP Africa, reaffirms its long-term commitment to contributing to the transformation of agriculture in Mali, with the ambition of making it a model of success on the continent.
OCP Africa has already demonstrated its commitment to Malian agriculture. In 2023/2024, the company supplied 15,000 tons of fertilizers, facilitating Malian farmers' access to quality inputs. For 2024/2025, a supply of 21,000 tons is planned.
In 2023, 44 experimental plots were established for rice and maize, with a goal of 200 new plots in key areas like the Niger Office. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was also launched, aiming to label 20,000 plots, with an ambitious target of 100,000 by the end of the year.
Since 2014, OCP has reached thousands of Malian farmers through training on sustainable agricultural practices, continuing a tradition of cooperation with Mali.
