Morocco emerges as global player in food security and green energy

Morocco is positioning itself as a global leader in food security and low-carbon agriculture, leveraging its vast phosphate reserves and growing renewable energy sector, according to a World Economic Forum report.

Morocco holds about 70% of the world’s phosphate reserves and ranks among the top five fertilizer exporters globally. Phosphate, along with nitrogen and potassium, is essential for fertile soils and high crop yields, giving the country a key role in feeding a growing population.

The report highlights Morocco’s push to develop low-carbon fertilizers, which improve nutrient efficiency while helping farmers adapt to climate stress.

State-owned OCP Group is leading a major investment program to increase fertilizer production from 12 million tons in 2024 to 20 million tons by 2027, with the goal of achieving full carbon neutrality by 2040. The initiative is complemented by renewable energy projects: solar and wind now supply 22% of Morocco’s electricity, with a target of 52% by 2030.

OCP Green Energy aims to power all mining and industrial operations with clean energy by 2027, totaling more than 1.2 gigawatts.

Morocco is also integrating water and energy strategies through initiatives like OCP Green Water, which treats wastewater and desalinates seawater to reduce pressure on traditional water sources.

The country is building capacities to produce green hydrogen and ammonia, potentially paving the way for carbon-free fertilizers.

Social and economic programs such as “Al Moutmir” and “Tourba” have helped farmers directly, boosting agricultural productivity by up to 23%, increasing incomes by more than 50%, and storing up to 1.4 tons of carbon per hectare.

The WEF report concludes that Morocco demonstrates how food security and carbon reduction can reinforce each other, rather than compete, offering a model for other countries confronting climate change and population growth.