OCP Foundation empowers rural cooperatives for sustainable growth across Africa

Saturday 05 July 2025 - 17:20

By: Dakir Madiha

OCP Foundation empowers rural cooperatives for sustainable growth across Africa

The OCP Foundation marked International Cooperatives Day by reflecting on its decade-long efforts to strengthen rural communities through cooperative development. Operating across 12 regions in Morocco and nine countries in the Global South, the Moroccan organization focuses on empowering farmers and artisans to foster resilient local economies.

Building resilient communities

Guided by a hands-on approach, the Foundation listens to local communities and develops tailored programs to address their needs. Over the past ten years, it has supported 932 cooperatives in Morocco alone, benefiting over 9,000 members, 75% of whom are women.

Omar Joud, President of the Grand Atlas Cooperatives Union in Ouarzazate, expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s dedication, stating, "We express our sincere thanks to all the trainers who worked tirelessly to strengthen our capabilities."

Transformative programs

The Foundation’s initiatives include the “BootCoop” program, which provides intensive training and mentoring for new cooperatives, laying strong foundations for their success. Another initiative, “CoopStore,” connects cooperatives to markets, ensuring fair prices and creating opportunities for rural producers. Since its inception, CoopStore has grown from 10 founding cooperatives to 60 members.

In collaboration with the International Labour Organization, the Foundation has also trained and certified 22 trainers from Morocco, Guinea, Cape Verde, and Ivory Coast. These trainers now teach cooperative management skills across their respective regions.

Expanding impact across Africa

Beyond Morocco, the Foundation has made significant contributions to cooperative development across Africa. In Malawi, two women’s cooperatives focused on pigeon pea processing have trained 80 women in production and marketing techniques. In Ivory Coast, women’s groups supported by the Foundation have cultivated 145 hectares of cassava. Zimbabwe has seen the establishment of tamarind processing projects benefiting 350 people from seven groups.

Senegal hosts some of the Foundation’s most ambitious initiatives. Along the Great Green Wall, 700 women participate in two Integrated Community Agricultural Farms, while 600 women in Joal Fadiouth engage in mangrove restoration efforts. Ndiyae Khadidiatou, Deputy Mayor of Joal Fadiouth, praised the Foundation’s efforts, stating, "We express our deep gratitude to the OCP Foundation for its invaluable support."

A vision for the future

The OCP Foundation continues to refine its approach to cooperative development by emphasizing social innovation, knowledge-sharing, and partnerships aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through programs like Mourafaka, which has delivered 2,681 coaching sessions to 197 cooperatives, the Foundation demonstrates the transformative potential of solidarity economies.

By empowering cooperatives, the OCP Foundation is championing a more just, human, and resilient economic model, proving that collective action can redefine rural economies across Africa.