OCP Africa, a subsidiary of the OCP Group, signed, in Niamey, a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Niger with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Niger, concerning the transformation of agricultural value chains.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Niamey, in the presence of the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Niger, his colleague from Mines, representatives of the World Bank, representatives of the World Bank and key stakeholders in the agricultural and mining sectors. Objective of this tripartite partnership, resulting from the agreement signed between the OCP Group and the World Bank on the sidelines of the annual meetings in Marrakech in October 2023: to transform the agricultural sector through innovative and inclusive initiatives aimed at local small-scale farmers. “It is a great honor for us to partner with the World Bank in this ambitious initiative to promote sustainable agricultural practices in the Republic of Niger in order to ensure food security and contribute to the sustainable development of soil health and fertility”, said Dr. Mohamed Anouar Jamali, CEO of OCP Africa.

“This partnership, based on collaboration and innovation, will provide farmers in Niger with the tools and knowledge they need to sustainably increase their productivity and secure their livelihoods,” added Dr. Anouar Jamali.

“This strategic partnership with OCP Africa embodies an innovative and integrated approach, where the expertise of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) plays a central role. Thanks to its support in strengthening the technical and operational capacities of local actors, UM6P contributes to the establishment of modern and sustainable agriculture, while supporting research and innovation at the service of Nigerien farmers,” said for his part Ousmane Elhadj Mahaman, Niger's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock. Nearly 230 demonstration plots will be set up, mainly on irrigated crops, in collaboration with local partners such as INRAN (National Institute for Agricultural Research of Niger) and the General Directorate

The partnership in question is based on six essential initiatives aimed at sustainably transforming the Nigerian agricultural sector. The objective of its promoters is to improve soil health and fertility through accurate mapping and innovative fertilization models. In parallel, new generation Agricultural Service Centers will be set up to offer farmers simplified access to quality inputs, mechanization tools, irrigation systems, financing and market opportunities. This partnership also aims to support the entrepreneurship of young people and women in agri-tech through training, incubation and acceleration of startups