IFC and OCP Launch Project to Address Water Shortage in Morocco and Food Insecurity in Africa

Washington D.C., September 13, 2024 – To increase the supply of sustainable water for fertilizer production, farmers, and households in Morocco, IFC today announced a €100 million loan (about US$108 million) to OCP Group, the world leader in plant nutrition solutions and phosphate-based fertilizers.

The loan will support the construction of a 219-kilometer water pipeline and pumping station to transport desalinated water from OCP's existing and planned desalination plants in Jorf Lasfar on the Atlantic Ocean to the company's production operations in Khouribga in central Morocco.

Construction is already well-advanced and, when completed, the pipeline will have a total annual capacity of 80 million cubic meters, equivalent to the water in more than 32,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Morocco is working hard to tackle severe water stress, affecting agricultural production and impacting the country's economic development. This project will provide OCP with a sustainable and reliable source of water and will free up water for use by farmers, businesses, and consumers in and around Khouribga.

"We are grateful for IFC's support in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time – water scarcity", said Mostafa Terrab, Chairman and CEO of OCP Group. "This project is a testament to OCP's commitment to sustainable development and innovation. By securing a reliable source of desalinated water, we are not only enabling the continued growth of our operations but at the same time also providing essential resources to local communities. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering resilience and food security across Africa. Together with IFC, we are paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future."

"Water scarcity is a major obstacle to economic development in parts of Africa – and this innovative project by OCP demonstrates how businesses can develop solutions that tackle complex development challenges with tangible impact for communities," said Makhtar Diop, IFC's Managing Director. "By supporting the construction of this pipeline, a project aligned with IFC's climate priority, we are enabling OCP to not only address its own water needs but provide vital water resources to communities and support the production of high-value crops, contributing to a more resilient and food-secure future for Africa."

The pipeline is part of OCP Group's Water Program, delivered by its specialized subsidiary, OCP Green Water, that is dedicated to supplying 100% non-conventional water to the Group by the end of 2024. By 2027, through investments totaling US $611 million, OCP aims to have a production capacity of 560 million m³/year of desalinated water and 60 million m³/year of treated wastewater. Combined with new technologies to reduce the Group's water needs, this will not only guarantee supplies for its industrial operations but also provide spare capacity for local communities, building their resilience to climate change.

This project supports Morocco's priority for sustainable development and is closely aligned with the World Bank Group's strategy in Morocco, which includes a strong focus on climate. By 2030, the pipeline is expected to be exclusively powered by renewable sources, improving access to sustainable water resources and increasing resilience to climate shocks.

The project also supports IFC's country strategy for Morocco, which focuses on enabling investments that contribute to the scaling of sustainable infrastructure and promoting green and inclusive growth.

Since 2021, IFC and OCP Group have partnered to develop sustainable food systems in Africa, build solar plants and green fertilizer production, promote gender equality, and support the Group's sustainability strategy.

For more than 60 years, IFC has worked with public and private sector partners to support small businesses, manufacturers, agribusinesses, infrastructure, the financial sector, and more in Morocco. In the past three fiscal years, IFC has invested and mobilized more than $1 billion to support sustainable economic development.
 
 
About IFC
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
 
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About OCP Group
OCP Group helps feed a growing global population by providing it with the essential elements for soil fertility and plant growth. With over a century of expertise and a turnover of more than US$ 9 billion in 2023, OCP is the world leader in plant nutrition solutions and phosphate-based fertilizers. Headquartered in Morocco and present on five continents, OCP Group has over 17,000 employees and works closely with more than 350 customers around the world. OCP recently launched a green investment strategy, dedicated to increasing fertilizer production and investing in renewable energy. The strategy foresees an overall investment of approximately USD13 billion over the period 2023-2027, which will enable the Group to use 100% non-conventional water in 2024 (to ensure its complete autonomy, including a water desalination capacity of 560 million m³ per year by 2026), 100% clean energy by 2027 and achieve full carbon neutrality by 2040 (Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030, and Scope 3 by 2040), while increasing the production of green fertilizers. The Group is firmly convinced that leadership and profitability are synonymous with social responsibility and sustainable development. Its strategic vision sits at the junction of these two dimensions.

For more information: www.ocpgroup.ma