OCP Africa and Zambia Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), a subsidiary of OCP Nutricrops, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore new avenues to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in Zambia and beyond.
The signature ceremony was held in Lusaka with Hong’s attendance. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, MP, Minister of Agriculture. His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Karaki, ambassador to the Kingdom of Zambia of the Kingdom of Morocco. Siazongo Siakalenga, Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economic Development. Mohamed Hettiti, CEO of OCP Africa. Cornwell Muleya, CEO of IDC. with senior government officials, IDC board members, private sector representatives, and the OCP Africa delegation.
This partnership is rooted in OCP Africa’s commitment to supporting agriculture transformation across the continent. It focuses on fostering comprehensive, innovative, regionally adapted solutions that contribute to food security and socioeconomic development by improving access to high-quality fertilizers and other agricultural inputs.
Mu outlines a strategic framework to promote sustainable agriculture in Zambia and the wider region. At the heart of this partnership is the development of large commercial farms. It acts not only as a production site, but also as a hub for innovation and testing. Testing customized fertilizer formulas and advanced agricultural techniques, commercial farms will generate insights and practices that can be expanded and adapted to smallholder farmers, ultimately improving productivity and sustainability across the agricultural value chain.
An important element of this project is the production of green ammonia. This relies on renewable energy sources to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with fertilizer production. This initiative is directly in line with IDC and OCP Africa’s broader commitment to sustainable practices and environmental management.
The contract also includes the strategic arrangement of raw material supplies to ensure a stable and reliable flow of high quality inputs for fertilizer production. Additionally, the parties will implement capacity building programs to enhance technical, managerial and operational skills within local communities to support the adoption of more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
The MOU defines four key areas of collaboration, reflecting an integrated future-view approach to agricultural development.
Large commercial farms and demonstration plot steam blend plant development
“We are excited to partner with IDC on this strategic initiative, reflecting Africa’s shared commitment to sustainable agricultural development. By bringing together expertise and resources, we aim to empower Zambian farmers with the tools they need to improve productivity and improve their livelihoods.
Today we don’t just sign a contract. It makes Zambia’s history. This marks a groundbreaking partnership that is remembered as a turning point in our country’s development. By joining forces with OCP Africa, one of the world’s most important fertilizer companies, it signals a new era of growth, self-sufficiency and prosperity in Zambia’s agricultural sector. This is a kind of transformative alliance that comes once in a lifetime and cannot overstate its importance to our country. “IDC CEO Cornwell Muleya said
OCP Africa and IDC will move forward with a detailed feasibility assessment to ensure effective implementation of MOUs. Combining their expertise and resources, the parties are confident that the partnership unlocks new opportunities for sustainable agricultural growth and value creation in Zambia and other African countries.
