Morocco’s phosphate and renewables push is pitched as a new food security lever for Africa

Morocco is being pitched as a test case for how food security and climate targets can move together, with a World Economic Forum published analysis arguing that the country’s phosphate reserves and renewable energy buildout could underpin a new generation of lower carbon fertilisers for Africa.

The article, published on the World Economic Forum website and written by OCP Group chief sustainability and innovation officer Hanane Mourchid, says Morocco is among the world’s leading fertiliser producers and a top five exporter, holding around 70 percent of global phosphate reserves, a strategic input for crop yields and soil fertility.

It links that position to Morocco’s climate commitments. The author cites Morocco’s updated nationally determined contribution, saying Rabat has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 21.6 percent unconditionally and up to 53 percent with international support by 2035 compared with 2010, and argues the phosphate sector represents 9 percent of the country’s 2035 mitigation target, making it central to any low carbon shift.

The piece also points to a fast moving domestic energy transition. It says renewables accounted for 22 percent of Morocco’s electricity generation in 2023 and that the country is targeting 52 percent by 2030.

For industry, it highlights OCP Green Energy, which it says is rolling out a renewables programme with planned capacity exceeding 1.2 gigawatts to supply mining and industrial operations with 100 percent clean power by 2027.

Moroccan business reporting has separately described OCP’s first phase as 202 megawatts of solar plants across three sites, as part of a broader shift to green electricity and storage.

The author argues Morocco’s solar, wind and desalination access could also support competitive green hydrogen and ammonia for lower carbon phosphate based fertilisers.

On farms, the article cites OCP linked programmes such as Al Moutmir, reporting early results of up to 23 percent yield gains and profitability increases of more than 50 percent through farmer centred support for lower carbon practices