OCP Foundation: Driving National and Continental Priorities Through Transformative Action

Friday 26 April 2024 - 11:12

The OCP Foundation has established itself as a catalyst for positive change across Morocco and the African continent. By implementing transformative initiatives, it seeks to improve living conditions, focusing on education's role in driving economic and social development. In 2023, the Foundation's reach extended to 100,000 beneficiaries, demonstrating its impact on the ground.

Aligned with the OCP Group's overarching vision, the Foundation's strategy addresses both national and continental priorities. In 2023, it expanded its operations to three additional African countries, emphasizing its commitment to addressing broader challenges. At the 16th edition of SIAM, Sana Zenjari, Communication & Change Director at the OCP Foundation, discussed the successes of 2023 and the plans for 2024.

"The OCP Foundation is a transformative operator that acts where the stakes are highest," Zenjari explained. "While our reputation is anchored in education and excellence, our work spans other crucial areas, including research and development, social innovation, and the social and solidarity economy. Our Global South projects focused on food security and climate change adaptation are especially noteworthy."

In 2023, the Foundation's initiatives supported over 100,000 beneficiaries across various fields. In education, this involved rehabilitating public establishments in partnership with the Ministry of National Education, supporting institutions like the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir and Rabat Technopolis, and the Lycée d'Excellence. Additionally, 2023 saw the launch of LIDEX Rabat, a specialized institution offering a unique sports-study curriculum.

Zenjari highlighted several new initiatives in research and development in collaboration with relevant ministries, providing support for Moroccan and African researchers in line with national and continental priorities. Social innovation projects supported cooperatives and startups, including a digitization initiative with the Ministry of Economy and Trade to modernize Morocco's retail sector. The Foundation also provided capacity-building and equipment support to cooperatives, helping them access markets more effectively.

The Foundation's global presence grew in 2023, launching community engagement projects in Zimbabwe, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire. "Internationally, our work revolves around sharing Moroccan expertise to help these countries adapt to climate change," Zenjari noted. "Our projects range from managing national parks, like the Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal, to community-based efforts that raise awareness, promote organization, and support income generation while reducing pressure on biodiversity."

In 2023, the Foundation also responded promptly to the earthquake tragedy, following directives from His Majesty. "We provided immediate aid in the form of essential supplies for affected families," Zenjari said. "We also established modular facilities to replace 55 damaged schools in the Al Hoceima region and supported cooperatives through dedicated projects and targeted prizes."

As the Foundation moves into 2024, its approach focuses on co-identifying needs at the grassroots level, co-constructing solutions, and ultimately empowering communities. "We aim for autonomy by providing the necessary tools, knowledge, networks, institutional and academic linkages, and access to equipment," Zenjari emphasized. "For instance, in African countries, we deploy mobile water analysis laboratories to reach even the most remote populations, acting to preserve biodiversity and equip communities with the resources for empowerment."

Aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, Morocco's New Development Model, and national orientations, the OCP Foundation's participation in SIAM 2024 marks its 10th appearance, highlighting its commitment to public engagement. "This year, we aimed to bring our accumulated knowledge closer to the general public," Zenjari stated. "We organized thematic conferences open to all, with international and national partners discussing topics like food security, research and development during the COVID-19 pandemic, and capacity-building workshops for cooperatives."

As the OCP Foundation continues its transformative work, its impact is felt across communities, empowering people with the tools and knowledge to build sustainable futures and resilience.