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Morocco's Economy

Phosphates and OCP

How Morocco holds about 70% of the world's phosphate reserves, how state-owned OCP became a fertiliser giant, and the link to global food security.

Morocco holds about 70% of the world’s phosphate reserves.

Why phosphates matter

Phosphate is a key ingredient in fertiliser, essential for growing food.

OCP

  • OCP Group, state-owned, founded in 1920.
  • It has moved from exporting rock to making fertilisers.
  • One of the world’s largest fertiliser producers.

India imports large amounts of phosphate rock, phosphoric acid and DAP from Morocco.

Africa strategy

OCP develops tailored fertilisers for African soils.

Western Sahara

Some reserves are in disputed Western Sahara.

The fertiliser shipment

A ship carrying Moroccan phosphoric acid arrives in India to be made into DAP fertiliser for farmers.

Thinking phosphate is a minor mineral

It's vital for global food production.

Key takeaways
  • Morocco holds about 70% of phosphate reserves.
  • OCP is a fertiliser giant.
  • India imports Moroccan phosphates.
  • Some reserves are in Western Sahara.
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