Morocco's blueprint for African agricultural progress unveiled in Nairobi

At the recent African Summit on Fertilizers and Soil Health held in Nairobi, Morocco's ongoing efforts to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability across Africa were prominently featured.

Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, took the stage to outline the North African nation’s strategic initiatives that align with its broader vision for the continent.

During his address, Bourita emphasized that Morocco's approach to agricultural development in Africa is a core component of its national strategy, which has been robustly aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.

The strategy employs three main instruments: the OCP Group, a leader in the fertilizer markets; the Ministry of Agriculture, responsible for crafting public policies and sectoral strategies; and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, overseeing the execution of South-South cooperation.

Highlighting significant milestones, Bourita referenced the Green Morocco Plan initiated in 2008 and the more recent Generation Green Plan. Both strategies focus on modernizing agriculture and promoting sustainable development in rural areas, aiming not just at food availability but at comprehensive rural development. These initiatives also focus on creating employment opportunities, particularly for the youth in rural regions.

Bourita underscored Morocco's collaborative efforts, which include sharing expertise and knowledge with other African nations. He spotlighted initiatives like the Triple A Initiative, aimed at adapting African agriculture to climate change, and the Triple S Initiative, promoting sustainability, stability, and security on the continent.

The Moroccan phosphate giant OCP Group is actively addressing challenges related to fertilizer prices and food security by increasing its involvement across Africa. This includes establishing 12 representations and launching eight industrial projects on the continent.

These projects not only aim to improve soil fertility but also provide training in agronomy to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

In his visionary proposal, Bourita suggested the establishment of an African Consortium for Agricultural Innovation to enhance the use of fertilizers and improve soil health across Africa. He also advocated for the implementation of a Pan-African Training and Certification Program in Soil Management and proposed the launch of a Financing Initiative for Green Agricultural Infrastructure.

Another significant proposal was the establishment of an African Observatory for soil data and analysis, which would support informed decision-making in agriculture across the continent.

Bourita concluded his speech by calling for unified efforts to tackle the challenge of food security in Africa. He expressed confidence in the continent's potential to transform agriculture into a key driver of development and transformation, highlighting Morocco’s leadership role in fostering agricultural innovation and sustainability.