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Agriculture

Morocco Positions Agriculture as Cornerstone of Cooperation with African Nations

Friday 10 May 2024 - 16:20

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In a resounding affirmation of Morocco's commitment to fostering agricultural development across the African continent, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, underscored the Kingdom's unwavering dedication to positioning agriculture as a fundamental pillar of its cooperation with African countries. His remarks came during the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Bourita emphasized that under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has consistently elevated the agricultural sector as an essential component of its cooperation with African nations. This commitment is manifested through comprehensive cooperation programs and Royal Instructions issued to the OCP Group to establish a special initiative tailored to the needs of these countries.

Highlighting Morocco's spirit of solidarity with African nations, the minister noted that the Sovereign has issued High Instructions to the OCP Group to support African states during this critical period characterized by immense pressure on fertilizer supplies.

Bourita also underscored the King's resolute determination for Morocco to participate prominently in this summit, given the paramount importance accorded to agriculture within the Royal vision for South-South cooperation and inter-African collaboration.

"Agriculture is not merely tied to food security and sovereignty; it also plays a fundamental role in economic development," Bourita asserted, echoing the King's vision that Africa's future is inextricably linked to the advancement of its agricultural sector and rural areas.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted the structural challenges confronting African agriculture, which were extensively examined during the summit. He commended Morocco's responses to these challenges through various initiatives launched by King Mohammed VI, such as the "Green Morocco Plan" and "Generation Green." These pioneering programs offer invaluable experiences that can guide African nations in their pursuit of agricultural development.

Bourita painted a stark picture of the continent's agricultural landscape, emphasizing the pressing need for concerted action. "Currently, Africa accounts for 65% of the world's arable land, yet over 200 million people suffer from malnutrition. Moreover, 65% of African agricultural lands suffer from low fertilizer usage, with the continent utilizing less than half the global average volume of fertilizers. Alarmingly, despite the agricultural sector occupying 60% of the land area, it contributes less than 14% to Africa's GDP," he remarked.

Through its proactive stance and commitment to fostering agricultural development on the African continent, Morocco has positioned itself as a steadfast partner, sharing its expertise and experiences to unlock the immense potential of the agricultural sector and drive sustainable economic growth across the region.