OCP Africa, a subsidiary of the OCP Group and a global leader in plant nutrition and phosphate-based fertilizers, signed a partnership agreement on Wednesday in Bamako, Mali, with the country’s Ministry of Agriculture. This agreement, backed by the World Bank, aims to strengthen Mali’s agricultural sector by enhancing soil health and improving access to essential inputs and services for small-scale farmers, according to a statement released by OCP Africa on Thursday.
This partnership builds upon a previous agreement between the OCP Group and the World Bank, signed during the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Marrakech. It is part of broader efforts to support farmers in West Africa and the Sahel.
Key initiatives under the new agreement include the creation of experimental plots by OCP Africa to test innovative solutions for restoring soil fertility. A crucial component of this effort will be the development of a digital soil mapping system, which will enable precise fertilization based on the “4R” principles: the right time, right source, right rate, and right place.
Additionally, the partnership will establish new-generation Agricultural Service Centers, designed to promote best agricultural practices. These centers will be supported by a digital platform connecting farmers to agricultural value chains and a mobile lab that will provide on-site soil analysis and agronomic advice.
The agreement also aims to boost youth and women’s entrepreneurship in agriculture through agri-tech initiatives. These efforts will be facilitated through training programs, startup incubation, and acceleration in collaboration with the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. An agricultural startup ecosystem will be fostered, with support from venture capital funds to encourage local innovation.
This collaboration is part of Morocco’s South-South cooperation policy, reflecting King Mohammed VI’s vision for stronger ties between African nations, particularly between Morocco and Mali. It also demonstrates the World Bank’s continued support of OCP Group’s agricultural development projects across Africa.
“This partnership marks a crucial step in our collective efforts to revitalize Mali’s agricultural sector. Through innovative technologies such as soil mapping and precision fertilization, we aim to contribute to the country’s sustainable agricultural growth,” said Mohamed Anouar Jamali, CEO of OCP Africa, as quoted in the statement.
OCP Africa’s long-term commitment to Malian agriculture is evident. In 2023/2024, the company provided 15,000 tons of fertilizer to support local farmers, with plans to increase this to 21,000 tons in 2024/2025. In 2023, 44 experimental plots were set up for rice and maize, with a goal of expanding to 200 plots in key regions such as the Office of Niger. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was also launched, with the aim of mapping 20,000 plots by the end of the year and an ambitious target of 100,000 plots.
Since 2014, OCP has trained thousands of Malian farmers in sustainable farming practices, continuing its tradition of collaboration and support for Mali’s agricultural development.
