Under Mostafa Terrab’s leadership, the OCP Group has taken an ambitious leap beyond its principal fertilizer business, investing in Morocco’s strategic sectors such as sports, technology, and renewable energy, according to an interview with “The Africa Report.”
Morocco’s largest employer, with approximately 20,000 employees, OCP allocated MAD 27.4 billion in 2023 to projects that fall outside its usual scope. This figure, which represents a 37% increase over the previous year, is part of a broader spending plan projected to reach MAD 45 billion by 2025 and peak at MAD 52 billion in 2026, according to Morocco’s Ministry of Finance.
This surge in investment reflects OCP’s commitment to strengthening Morocco’s national industries and bolstering its economy. From sports to renewable energy, the company’s strategy supports Morocco’s key goals while building sustainable avenues for social and economic growth. The company’s diversification approach is rooted in a clear mission: to create long-term value and positive social impact beyond fertilizers.
Investing in Sports Talent and Infrastructure:
OCP’s recent foray into Morocco’s sports sector is a notable illustration of its diversification. Through targeting talent, training, and infrastructure, OCP hopes to advance Morocco’s sports ecosystem through Evosport, a program supported by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).
Evosport is concentrating on investing in “talent, state-of-the-art infrastructure, training, innovation, and sport for development” to create a new generation of athletes. OCP predicts that Evosport will generate MAD 102 billion in 2024, up from MAD 91.2 billion in 2023.
“OCP’s investments now align with Morocco’s national priorities, even though football may not be within the company’s core mandate,” a person close to the organization said.
Through football, OCP seeks to promote social inclusion and develop a strong sports sector through strengthening sports infrastructure and developing athletic potential.
Highlighting the social gains OCP anticipates from this investment, the spokesperson continued, “Our goal is to create economic and social value that strengthens community engagement and promotes sports as a tool for development.”
Technological Breakthroughs and Educational Excellence:
OCP’s strategy also extends into cutting-edge technology and education. Through UM6P, founded in 2017 as part of an ambitious urban development initiative, OCP has rapidly positioned itself as a pioneer in advanced research and technology. UM6P, which operates with a capital of €3.4bn, has forged partnerships with renowned institutions, including Harvard, Columbia, and the French engineering school CentraleSupélec.
OCP’s commitment to innovation is evident through projects like InnovX, dedicated to breakthroughs in food security and energy transition, and AI Movement, a center focused on artificial intelligence. These initiatives have made UM6P an influential player in fields essential for Morocco’s future.
UM6P has also expanded globally, opening subsidiaries in Paris and Montreal to enhance its international footprint and attract global talent and expertise. “OCP, through UM6P, is setting a standard of excellence in strategic sectors like education,” the company said. “It aims to pave the way for Morocco’s technological advancement by investing resources and talent.”
Energy Transition and Water Management Initiatives:
OCP’s efforts in renewable energy and water management underscore its dedication to Morocco’s sustainable future. As part of the Green Investment Plan launched in 2022, OCP has committed to ambitious renewable energy targets.
By 2027, the group aims to generate 5GW of renewable energy, with a longer-term goal of 13GW in 2032. Initiatives for saltwater desalination and green hydrogen are added to these projects in an effort to lessen Morocco’s water shortage.
In response to Morocco’s water challenges, OCP has launched an accelerated water management plan, prioritizing innovative solutions and non-conventional resources. The program aims to achieve 100% reliance on non-conventional water sources by the end of 2024.
OCP’s progress is notable: 85% of its electricity needs are now met through clean energy, with plans to reach 100% by 2027 through a combination of solar, wind, and cogeneration technology. “Our energy and water initiatives are part of a larger commitment to optimize industrial operations and promote Morocco’s energy transition,” the spokesperson said.
“These projects are designed to balance environmental responsibility with global food security needs by increasing fertilizer production capacity while reducing our ecological footprint,” he added.
Broadening Horizons in Hospitality:
Beyond technology and energy, OCP is also investing in Morocco’s hospitality sector. In June 2021, the group acquired a majority stake in La Mamounia, a luxury hotel in Marrakech. This investment not only strengthens Morocco’s tourism sector but also contributes to local economic growth.
The company’s involvement in hospitality is part of a collaborative initiative with the Hassan II Fund for Development. This partnership focuses on creating synergies across sectors, using UM6P’s educational resources to train managers and build expertise in hospitality management. “Through these initiatives, OCP is playing an active role in supporting Morocco’s tourism industry,” says Terrab. “Linking OCP’s resources to strategic sectors helps us generate economic value while empowering local communities.”
Criteria and Goals Behind Diversification:
Certain standards that are intended to create long-term value and meet Morocco’s strategic requirements serve as the foundation for OCP’s diversification strategy. “OCP’s investment approach is based on maximizing impact in key areas such as water management and energy,” said the spokesperson.
OCP is committed to reducing dependency on freshwater sources in the water sector by employing sustainable practices and desalination methods. Its water projects help meet the needs of irrigation for agriculture and drinking water for nearby residents, especially in drought-affected areas.
The Green Investment Plan reflects OCP’s commitment to renewable energies and sustainable development. By optimizing production processes, the group intends to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting food security goals. These efforts align with Morocco’s broader environmental and economic priorities and reinforce OCP’s role as a leading player in the country’s development.
Strengthening Morocco’s Global Standing:
Through its strategic investments in sports, education, energy, and hospitality, OCP is enhancing its role as a cornerstone of Morocco’s economy. Each project reflects the group’s aim to foster innovation, social inclusion, and sustainability across the country. By aligning its growth objectives with Morocco’s national priorities, OCP is paving the way for long-term development that extends well beyond phosphate fertilizers.
Mostafa Terrab’s leadership has positioned OCP as a catalyst for change, steering the group into new sectors and reinforcing its commitment to social impact and economic resilience. OCP’s investments underscore a vision of shared progress, where corporate growth is interwoven with the needs of Morocco and its people, signaling a transformative path for the future.