OCP Group has reinforced its commitment to strengthening Africa’s food systems by supporting women farmers, placing their role at the center of agricultural transformation during a high-level United Nations event.

Spotlight on Women 

The event, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, took place alongside the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Organized by Morocco, the gathering brought together policymakers, development partners, and industry leaders to address food security and agricultural resilience across Africa.

Chaired by Omar Hilale, discussions focused on key challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and limited access to resources.

Expanding Support Through OCP Africa

Representing the group’s continental arm, OCP Africa CEO Hajar Alafifi highlighted the company’s growing footprint. OCP Africa now operates in more than 40 countries, supporting over four million smallholder farmers.

With more than a century of experience, OCP Group remains a global leader in phosphate-based fertilizers, focusing on improving soil health and ensuring access to phosphorus—an essential nutrient for crop production and global food security.

Tailored Solutions for African Farmers

OCP’s approach centers on:

• Developing customized fertilizer solutions suited to local soil conditions
• Providing farmer training and advisory services
• Promoting sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices

The company also collaborates with institutions such as the World Bank to expand access to affordable inputs and strengthen local agricultural systems.

Women at the Heart of Food Systems

A major focus of the event was the critical role women play in African agriculture. Women are responsible for producing up to 70% of the continent’s food, yet continue to face systemic barriers, including limited access to land, finance, and markets.

OCP emphasized that empowering women farmers through innovation, training, and improved access to resources is essential to:

• Boosting agricultural productivity
• Enhancing food security
• Building resilient food systems
• Driving Partnerships for Sustainable Growth

Participants called for stronger collaboration between governments, the private sector, and development organizations to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential. Key priorities included:

• Scaling sustainable farming practices
• Expanding regional agricultural markets
• Increasing investment in agrifood systems
• Building Resilient Food Systems

OCP Group views its efforts as part of a broader mission to support global food security while advancing sustainable agriculture in Africa. By combining innovation, partnerships, and farmer-focused solutions, the company aims to help feed a growing population and strengthen rural livelihoods.

The discussions concluded with a clear message: empowering women farmers is not just a social priority—it is a strategic necessity for the future of Africa’s food systems.