Morocco has donated 1,000 tons of fertilizers to Mali as part of its efforts to support the country’s agricultural sector and strengthen food security, the Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) reported Thursday.
The handover ceremony took place Wednesday in Bamako at the premises of Mali’s Agricultural Products Office (OPAM), in the presence of Malian Agriculture Minister Ibrahima Samaké and Morocco’s ambassador to Mali, Driss Isbayene.
Isbayene said the donation reflects the strength of ties between Morocco and Mali, which are built on longstanding human, cultural and spiritual links.
He said the initiative also gives concrete effect to Morocco’s commitment, made during the fourth session of the Morocco-Mali Joint Cooperation Commission in Bamako on July 24, to support Mali’s efforts to improve food security and develop sustainable agriculture.
Agriculture is a key pillar of Mali’s economy, providing income and employment for millions of people while playing an important role in food security and rural development. The sector, however, faces challenges including climate change, water shortages and soil degradation.
The Moroccan ambassador said access to fertilizers is an important tool for addressing these challenges, as they can help increase agricultural yields, maintain soil fertility and improve the use of farmland.
He also highlighted the role of OCP Africa in supporting Mali, saying the fertilizer donation forms part of Morocco’s broader approach to South-South cooperation based on practical and mutually beneficial partnerships.
The initiative follows a 2024 agreement between OCP Africa and Mali’s Agriculture Ministry, with World Bank support, aimed at improving soil health and farmers’ access to agricultural inputs and solutions adapted to local needs.
OCP Africa currently operates, directly or through partnerships, in 42 African countries and supports more than four million smallholder farmers. Its activities extend beyond fertilizer supplies to soil analysis, farmer training, access to inputs, financing and markets, as well as the development of crop nutrition solutions adapted to local conditions.
The ceremony was also attended by Malian Food Security Minister-Commissioner Redouwane Ag Mohamed Ali, OPAM CEO Colonel-Major Moussa Demé and a representative of Mali’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.
