In a move to bolster Morocco’s water supply for agriculture and industry, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has granted a €100 million loan (approximately US$108 million) to the OCP Group, a global leader in plant nutrition and phosphate-based fertilizers. This funding will support the construction of a 219-kilometer water pipeline designed to transport desalinated water to OCP’s production operations in central Morocco. The project aims to secure a sustainable water source for fertilizer production, local communities, and farmers, reflecting OCP’s commitment to sustainability and food security in Africa.
Addressing Morocco’s Water Scarcity
The project will tackle Morocco’s significant water stress, which has affected agricultural output and the nation’s economic growth. The pipeline, once completed, will have an annual capacity of 80 million cubic meters, equivalent to over 32,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The water will come from desalination plants located in Jorf Lasfar along the Atlantic Ocean, ensuring that OCP’s operations in Khouribga remain water-sufficient while freeing up freshwater for local farmers and households.
Mostafa Terrab, Chairman and CEO of OCP Group, noted, “We are grateful for IFC’s support in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time – water scarcity.” He highlighted that this project aligns with OCP’s mission of fostering sustainable development, ensuring operational growth, and providing essential resources to local communities.
Sustainable Water Solutions for Industry and Communities
The pipeline is part of OCP Group’s broader Water Program, driven by its subsidiary OCP Green Water. The program aims to supply 100% non-conventional water to the group by the end of 2024. OCP is investing a total of US$611 million into desalinated and treated wastewater projects, aiming to produce 560 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually by 2027. This initiative will not only serve OCP’s industrial needs but also supply water to local communities, reinforcing resilience against climate change.
Makhtar Diop, IFC’s Managing Director, emphasized the project’s broader impact: “Water scarcity is a major obstacle to economic development in parts of Africa. This innovative project by OCP demonstrates how businesses can develop solutions that tackle complex development challenges with tangible impact for communities.”
Enhancing Sustainability and Climate Resilience
Morocco’s push for sustainable development aligns with the World Bank Group’s climate-focused strategy for the country. By 2030, OCP’s water pipeline will be exclusively powered by renewable energy, further enhancing resilience to climate shocks. The project also supports Morocco’s national objectives and IFC’s country strategy, which emphasizes sustainable infrastructure and green growth.
Through partnerships like this, IFC and OCP are advancing Morocco’s climate and sustainability goals. Since 2021, both organizations have worked on various initiatives, including the development of solar plants and green fertilizer production, gender equality promotion, and the advancement of sustainable food systems across Africa.
Long-Term Benefits for Morocco
The OCP water pipeline project is a milestone in Morocco’s journey towards sustainable growth and resource management. By securing a reliable water supply for industrial use and contributing to the agricultural sector, it offers a blueprint for addressing water scarcity while driving economic development.
With Morocco facing increasing climate challenges, projects like this one are essential for ensuring long-term water security and food production. OCP Group’s innovative approach, supported by IFC, will serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar sustainability challenges.
