Latest news with #OCPFoundation
See - Sada Elbalad
20-07-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
UNESCO, Morocco Launch $6M Africa Development Deal
By Ahmad El-Assasy UNESCO, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), and the OCP Foundation have signed a new cooperation agreement in Paris, committing $6 million to a tripartite platform aimed at advancing Africa-centered development agendas between 2025 and 2027. According to a statement by UM6P, the agreement—signed by Mostafa Terrab, Chairman of the OCP Group, and Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO—seeks to reinforce an alliance based on shared ambitions to address the pressing challenges facing the African continent. Integrated Approach to Education, Science, and Culture The initiative emphasizes cross-sector collaboration by integrating education, science, technology, and cultural heritage as interlinked drivers of sovereign, inclusive, and sustainable development. The program will be jointly implemented by UM6P and UNESCO, with strategic and financial backing from the OCP Foundation. The three parties have collaborated since 2017, driven by shared values including long-term investment in knowledge systems, the transformative role of higher education, and locally rooted innovation. The agreement is built around five complementary thematic pillars, each governed by a separate agreement. This modular structure allows for tailored governance models, timelines, and implementation mechanisms suited to the specific topic areas. Focus on AI, Heritage, and Innovation in Africa Mostafa Terrab hailed the partnership as a catalyst for innovation and impact in Africa, emphasizing themes such as artificial intelligence as a key enabler for heritage valorization, innovation, empowerment, and sustainable development. He stressed the continent's ability to adapt to and accelerate transformative change through unified efforts in education, culture, and emerging technologies. Audrey Azoulay reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to Africa, saying: 'Africa lies at the heart of UNESCO's priorities. Together with OCP Foundation and UM6P, we will deepen our partnership in the years to come by investing in knowledge, communities, education, heritage, and the environment as non-negotiable pillars of Africa's development.' read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Morocco World
19-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
UM6P, UNESCO, OCP Join Forces for Africa's Development with $6 Million Initiative
Rabat — University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), UNESCO, and the OCP Foundation have launched an ambitious $6 million partnership, aiming to transform education, technology, and cultural preservation across the African continent. Over a three-year collaboration running from 2025 to 2027, the initiative brings together Morocco's leading polytechnic university, the UN's cultural agency, and one of Africa's largest foundations to address development challenges on the continent. Mostapha Terrab, OCP Group's Chairman, and Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO's Director-General, signed the agreement on July 18 in Benguerir, marking a new chapter in their eight-year partnership that began in 2017. The partnership focuses on five key areas designed to strengthen African capacity across multiple sectors, and aims to help the continent come up with solutions adapted to its context. One component of the partnership is to operationalize the Rabat African Consensus on AI, an agreement the parties made during inaugural high-level forum on AI in Morocco that was held early last month. Specifically, the partners will create create programs aimed to help African countries use artificial intelligence in government services while maintaining their technological sovereignty. The partners will also promote cross-border academic collaboration through UNESCO's Campus Africa platform, offering scholarships and research exchanges. The partnership is also designed to integrate African history into university curricula. To that end, multilingual materials and heritage conservation networks will be put in place to preserve both physical sites and traditional practices. Additionally, the initiative will test ecosystem restoration projects in African protected areas that combine environmental conservation with economic opportunities for local communities. This joint-agreement serves as 'a catalyst' for African development, Terrab said, adding that AI will function as 'a powerful lever for heritage enhancement, innovation, and empowerment.' The comprehensive approach aims to reduce African institutions' dependence on foreign models while building locally-driven solutions across education, technology, culture, and environmental sectors. Meanwhile, Azoulay pointed out Africa's central role in the organization's mission, saying: 'We are strengthening our partnership with the OCP Foundation and the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic for the coming years by investing in knowledge, communities, and territories.' The collaboration marks a shift away from one-size-fits-all development approaches. Instead, the partners have developed a flexible system that can adapt to various regions and challenges across the African continent. Since 2017, UM6P, UNESCO, and the OCP Foundation have worked together on various projects, guided by shared values including long-term investment in education, cultural preservation, and innovation that fits local contexts. Tags: Africa's developmentOCP MoroccoUM6PUNESCO
Morocco World
05-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
OCP Foundation Champions Rural Cooperatives Across Africa
Mrirt — The OCP Foundation is celebrating International Cooperatives Day today by reflecting on its decade-long mission to empower rural communities through cooperative development. The Moroccan organization works across 12 regions in Morocco and nine countries in the Global South, supporting farmers and artisans who unite to build stronger local economies. Building stronger communities The Foundation takes a hands-on approach to cooperative development. It listens to local communities and creates programs that match their specific needs. Over the past ten years, the organization has supported 932 cooperatives in Morocco alone, reaching more than 9,000 cooperative members — 75% of whom are women. 'We express our sincere thanks to all the trainers who worked tirelessly to strengthen our capabilities,' said Omar Joud, President of the Grand Atlas Cooperatives Union in Ouarzazate. Programs that make a difference The Foundation runs several key programs. The 'BootCoop' program provides intensive educational training to help new cooperatives get started, through mentoring, and expert guidance to build strong foundations. Meanwhile, 'CoopStore' creates a network that helps cooperatives sell their products. The program started with 10 founding cooperatives and now includes 60 members. It connects rural producers directly to markets and ensures fair prices for their goods. The Foundation also trains trainers. Working with the International Labour Organization, it has certified 22 trainers from Morocco, Guinea, Cape Verde, and Ivory Coast. These trainers now teach cooperative management skills across their respective regions. Reaching beyond Morocco The Foundation's impact extends far beyond Morocco's borders. In Malawi, it helped create two women's cooperatives focused on pigeon pea processing, training 80 women in transformation and marketing techniques. In Ivory Coast, women's groups have planted 145 hectares of cassava with the Foundation's support. Zimbabwe's project focuses on tamarind processing, benefiting 350 people across seven groups. Senegal sees some of the Foundation's largest projects. Along the Great Green Wall, 700 women benefit from two Integrated Community Agricultural Farms. In Joal Fadiouth, 600 women participate in mangrove restoration efforts. 'We express our deep gratitude to the OCP Foundation for its invaluable support,' said Ndiyae Khadidiatou, Deputy Mayor of Joal Fadiouth in Senegal in a statement. Looking forward The Foundation continues to evolve its approach. It focuses on social innovation, experience sharing, and partnerships that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals. The organization believes that cooperatives create more just, human, and resilient economies. Through programs like Mourafaka, which has provided 2,681 coaching sessions to 197 cooperatives, the Foundation proves that communities working together can transform rural economies – reinventing solidarity economies one village at time.
Business Standard
17-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
OCP Foundation and ISAP Launch Project ACE at College of Agriculture, Kalaburagi to Support 5,000 Farmers with Sustainable Training
BusinessWire India Kalaburagi (Karnataka) [India], June 17: OCP Nutricrops and OCP Foundation are reinforcing their commitment to Indian farmers with a new skilling and capacity building initiative in Karnataka, with plans to expand to Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Jointly launched by OCP Foundation and ISAP India Foundation with the support of OCP Nutricrops, Project ACE - Agri Capacity Enhancement - aims to strengthen sustainable farming practices and financial empowerment, at a time of renewed focus by Prime Minister Modi. As part of OCP Group, the world's leading producer of phosphate-based fertilizers, OCP Foundation and OCP Nutricrops are both committed to strengthening global food security through innovation, sustainable agricultural practices, and inclusive support for farming communities worldwide. Project ACE is set to benefit 5,000 farmers across all training sessions and is part of a broader initiative that promotes sustainable agriculture to enhance food and nutritional security while improving the livelihoods of small and medium-scale farmers in India. Combining field demonstrations, community development, and applied research with local universities, this overarching project supports farmer organizations, empowers rural communities, and creates conditions for scalable impact. This project aligns closely with the vision of "Viksit Bharat", which envisages India's graduation to a developed economy status by 2047 -- the 100th year of independence. It is built around a three-fold capacity-building approach: * Nutrient management: Improving crop yields and soil fertility through balanced fertilization, efficient application techniques, and awareness on sourcing quality inputs; * Water management: Promoting sustainable practices such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture conservation; * Financial literacy: Equipping farmers with budgeting tools, access to credit and insurance, digital payments, and risk management knowledge. The launch event, held at the College of Agriculture, Kalaburagi gathered key stakeholders, including government officials, agricultural experts, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), technical partners, and donors. The event underscored OCP's strong commitment in the region to promoting the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, and marked a new chapter in its collaboration with local farming communities. In his keynote speech, Dr Shivasankar N, Director of Extension - UAS Raichur, in Kalaburagi, emphasized the importance of government support in driving innovation and knowledge-sharing in agriculture. ISAP presented a detailed overview of the program structure, training modules, methodology, and expected outcomes. FPO partners also discussed their on-ground experiences adopting modern farming practices. Ms. Hassina Moukhariq, Director of International Development, OCP Foundation, said: "OCP Foundation believes that empowering farmers with knowledge, innovation, and access to sustainable practices is the most enduring investment we can make. Project ACE is a long-term partnership with the farming community of Karnataka to build resilience, drive productivity, and ensure food security in a changing climate." M. Youssef El Bari, CEO, OCP Nutricrops, shared: "True agricultural transformation begins with the farmer, and through Project ACE, we're equipping farmers not only with knowledge but also with the tools to make more sustainable choices that support balanced fertilization, improve soil health, and build resilience. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to co-creating solutions with Indian partners for a more secure and sustainable future." Mr. Gaurav Vats, Director - Agri Services, ISAP, who in his welcome address outlined the program's objectives and long-term vision for empowering farmers through knowledge and practical training, said: "Project ACE is not just a training program--it's a roadmap for transforming rural livelihoods. By equipping farmers with practical knowledge, access to innovation, and institutional support, we aim to strengthen the agricultural value chain from the ground up." Dr. Raju Teggeli, Head and Lead Scientist at KVK Kalaburagi, an extension centre, finally emphasized the importance of training and technological innovation in modern agriculture. Through Project ACE, OCP Foundation, OCP Nutricrops, and ISAP reaffirm their commitment to supporting national efforts toward sustainable agriculture. By working hand in hand with local institutions, experts, and farming communities, the initiative seeks to contribute to improved practices, stronger resilience, and better livelihoods for farmers across India. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Morocco World
07-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
UM6P Turns Heads With Deep Tech Summit
The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) kicked off the Deep Tech Summit (DTS) with the bold intent to position Africa at the forefront of global scientific innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital sovereignty. This year's summit focuses on how artificial intelligence is reshaping deep tech. 'This is not a tech show,' said Yassine Laghzioui, UM6P's Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing, as he opened the DTS. 'We're bringing together founders, researchers, and investors to tackle real problems in real time.' The summit gathers over 7,000 participants – over half of them coming from different parts of the world – to attend more than 60 sessions over two days, all set on UM6P's fast-growing green campus. The event includes panel discussions, experimental showrooms, deeptech factories and sittings for one-off reverse pitches, pitches in the dark, and elevator pitches. 'Why should the entrepreneur always be the one begging? We flipped it. Now the VCs must convince them,' he added, describing one of the summit's standout formats – the reverse pitch – where investors pitch to startups, not the other way around. Yassine Laghzioui says that this summit brings together founders, researchers, and investors to tackle real problems in real time Founded by the OCP Foundation and part of the phosphate giant OCP Group, UM6P has grown into one of Africa's most ambitious research universities. At the press conference, Amina Lahbabi, the university's Director of Communication and Public Relations, explained why. 'We're a Moroccan and African university, built for Africa, by Africans,' she said. 'We started by supporting OCP's R&D, but today we're working on solutions for the whole continent — in agriculture, AI, biotechnology, renewable energy, and more.' The university's Benguerir campus, spread over 80 hectares, was built with one goal: to create a city of knowledge. It includes 'living labs' where students and researchers test ideas in real-world conditions — from experimental mining to green hydrogen production. UM6P also houses Africa's most powerful supercomputer, helping researchers tackle big problems in data science and climate tech. Lahbabi pointed to the university's rapid growth with 7,200 students across multiple campuses, with 61% coming from African countries. More than 80% are on scholarships, and 60% have full funding. 'Excellence and meritocracy matter here. Financial status should never be a barrier,' she said. Amina Lahbabi says that excellence and meritocracy matter at UM6P UM6P has also gone global, with new hubs in Paris, Montréal, and soon to be one in Côte d'Ivoire and Mexico. 'We're building bridges between Africa and the world,' Lahbabi said. 'And we're showing that Morocco can be a hub for research, innovation, and soft power.' The university's community work is just as important. In Rhamna, where the main campus sits, UM6P is running more than 20 local development projects from culture and sport to health and education. They've even partnered with the NBA's junior program to launch Africa's first basketball school. This year's Deep Tech Summit wants to turn Benguerir into Africa's deep tech capital and prove that world-class science and startups don't just belong in Silicon Valley or Europe — they belong in Morocco and in Africa too.
