OCP Group
Moroccan state-owned phosphate mining, processing and fertilizer group.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
OCP Group, formerly Office Chérifien des Phosphates, is a Moroccan state-owned industrial group focused on phosphate rock mining, phosphoric acid, fertilizers and related agricultural solutions. Founded by royal decree in 1920, it began extracting phosphate at Khouribga in 1921 and exporting through Casablanca in the same year. The company subsequently expanded its mining base to Youssoufia, Benguerir and Bou Craa, while developing major chemical and fertilizer platforms at Safi and Jorf Lasfar. This progression transformed OCP from a mining and export organization into an integrated producer covering extraction, beneficiation, chemical conversion, fertilizer manufacture, logistics, marketing and farmer-support services. OCP operates in a strategically important segment of the global food and agricultural supply chain. Morocco possesses exceptionally large phosphate resources, and OCP has stated that it has access to more than 70% of the world’s phosphate rock reserves. The group produces phosphate rock, phosphoric acid, conventional fertilizers such as mono-ammonium phosphate, di-ammonium phosphate and triple superphosphate, as well as customized, fortified and soluble fertilizers. It also produces phosphate-derived animal feed under the PHOSFEED name. Its products are sold to customers on five continents, with international subsidiaries and commercial operations serving markets including Africa, Brazil, India, North America and other agricultural regions. The company’s operating model is vertically integrated. Rock extracted from Moroccan mines is transported by rail, conveyor or slurry pipeline to processing and fertilizer facilities. The Khouribga–Jorf Lasfar slurry pipeline, inaugurated in 2014, reduced dependence on conventional transport and lowered water and energy requirements. Jorf Lasfar has become a major global fertilizer production and export platform, while Safi remains an important chemical and fertilizer center linked to phosphate from the Gantour basin. OCP’s activities also include research, soil analysis and the development of formulations adapted to crops, soil conditions and irrigation systems. OCP was converted into a corporation, OCP S.A., in 2008, while remaining overwhelmingly owned by the Moroccan state. The group has used partnerships and subsidiaries to extend its industrial, technological and commercial capabilities, including JESA, OCP Africa, international sales companies and collaborations involving engineering, digital technology and fertilizer distribution. The group also established Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in 2017 as part of a broader effort to support research, innovation, education and industrial development. OCP is economically significant in Morocco, where phosphate products have historically represented a substantial share of exports and national economic activity. Its scale also gives it influence in African agricultural development, where OCP Africa promotes market access, soil testing, farmer education and locally adapted fertilizers. The group’s expansion has nevertheless attracted scrutiny concerning operations in Western Sahara through its subsidiary Phosboucraa, particularly over resource governance, local representation and the status of the territory under international law. OCP has also undertaken large public-interest responses, including contributions to Morocco’s COVID-19 emergency fund and earthquake relief after the 2023 Marrakesh-Safi earthquake. In 2024, the group reported revenue of approximately US$9.76 billion, according to the cited reference material.
History
OCP Group was established in Morocco in 1920 as the Office Chérifien des Phosphates by royal decree. Commercial extraction began at Khouribga in 1921, together with the first exports transported to Casablanca. Khouribga became the group’s foundational mining district and remains one of its most important sources of phosphate rock. OCP added Youssoufia in 1931, thereby expanding the country’s mining base and strengthening its position in international phosphate trade. A decisive change occurred in 1965, when OCP began chemical production at Safi. The move allowed the organization to process Moroccan rock into phosphoric acid and fertilizers rather than relying primarily on raw-mineral exports. In 1976, OCP acquired a 65% interest in Phosboucraa after the Madrid Agreement involving Spain; it became the subsidiary’s sole owner in 2002. Phosboucraa operates the Bou Craa mine and related processing and shipping facilities in Western Sahara, an area whose political and legal status has made the subsidiary a recurring subject of international scrutiny. OCP expanded its inland mining portfolio with Benguerir production in the Gantour basin during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Gantour region, comprising Benguerir and Youssoufia, contains a major share of Morocco’s phosphate reserves. Chemical production began at Jorf Lasfar in 1984, creating a large coastal industrial platform supplied by Moroccan mines. A purified phosphoric acid plant was launched there in 1996 and began production in 1998. Repeated investment turned Jorf Lasfar into one of the world’s largest integrated fertilizer complexes, with production spanning phosphoric acid, MAP, DAP and other formulations. The group pursued further vertical integration and modernization in the 2000s. In 2006, the historic Office Chérifien des Phosphates name was shortened operationally to OCP. The organization was converted into OCP S.A., a corporation, in 2008. It remained predominantly state-owned, with the Moroccan state holding 95% and Banque Centrale Populaire investment funds holding the remainder. The group also set an objective in 2007 of substantially increasing fertilizer production by 2020, reflecting a strategic shift toward higher-value processed products. Partnerships and institutional initiatives became more prominent in the following decade. JESA was formed in 2011 as a joint venture with Jacobs Engineering. OCP entered a technology partnership with DuPont in 2013 and a collaboration with IBM in 2018. In 2014, it commissioned a slurry pipeline linking Khouribga to Jorf Lasfar. The pipeline enabled more efficient movement of phosphate slurry, reducing transport requirements and saving water and energy compared with conventional systems. In 2016, OCP created OCP Africa to develop fertilizer distribution, agronomic services and farmer support across African markets. The same period saw the inauguration of an Africa-focused fertilizer complex at Jorf Lasfar and the launch of a major domestic bond issue after approval by Morocco’s capital-market authority. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University was inaugurated in 2017. The university and associated research platforms support work in mining, agriculture, water, energy, digital technology and industrial processes. Benguerir has also been used as a testing environment for advanced mining technologies and academic research. Internationally, OCP expanded sales, market research, soil analysis and distribution through operations in Brazil, India, North America and other regions. OCP’s public role became particularly visible during national emergencies. In 2020, it contributed US$310 million to Morocco’s coronavirus emergency fund. After the September 2023 earthquake in the Marrakesh-Safi region, the group donated US$97.5 million to the national earthquake relief fund. At the same time, its Phosboucraa activities continued to generate controversy because of Western Sahara’s status and disagreements over the distribution of economic benefits. Today, OCP remains an active, state-controlled phosphate and fertilizer group whose strategy combines resource ownership, industrial processing, global marketing, agricultural development and research.
- 2018
IBM partnership announced
[1]OCP entered a technology collaboration with IBM.
- 2017
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University inaugurated
[1]The university opened as a research and education institution linked to Morocco’s industrial and agricultural development.
- 2016
OCP Africa created
[1]The group established a dedicated platform for African fertilizer markets and agricultural development.
- 2014
Khouribga–Jorf Lasfar slurry pipeline launched
[1]The pipeline connected the main mining area with the coastal processing complex and improved logistics efficiency.
- 2011
JESA joint venture established
[1]OCP and Jacobs Engineering formed JESA to provide engineering and project services.
- 2008
OCP becomes a corporation
[1]The former state office was transformed into OCP S.A., while remaining majority owned by Morocco.
- 2002
OCP becomes sole owner of Phosboucraa
[1]The group completed its acquisition of the Phosboucraa subsidiary.
- 1984
Jorf Lasfar chemical production begins
[1]The first phase of the coastal Jorf Lasfar processing platform opened.
- 1976
OCP acquires a majority stake in Phosboucraa
[1]OCP acquired 65% of Phosboucraa, whose operations are located in Western Sahara.
- 1965
Chemical production starts at Safi
[1]OCP began processing phosphate rock into phosphoric acid and fertilizer products at Safi.
Products and positioning
Vertically integrated global phosphate and fertilizer leader serving agriculture, industrial chemistry and food-security markets.
Mining · 1921
Phosphate rock
Phosphate rock is OCP’s foundational mined product and the feedstock for its downstream chemical operations. It is extracted primarily from Moroccan mining districts including Khouribga, Gantour and Bou Craa, then sold domestically or exported. OCP’s integrated model allows a significant share of the rock to be upgraded into phosphoric acid and fertilizers, while selected volumes serve external industrial customers.
Industrial chemicals · 1965
Phosphoric acid
OCP manufactures phosphoric acid by chemically processing phosphate rock. The product is used as an intermediate for phosphate fertilizers and has additional applications in food, cosmetics and dental products. Production is concentrated at the Safi and Jorf Lasfar chemical platforms, linking the group’s mining operations with higher-value industrial outputs.
Conventional phosphate fertilizers
MAP and DAP fertilizers
Mono-ammonium phosphate and di-ammonium phosphate are concentrated phosphate fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus. OCP produces these fertilizers at its Moroccan industrial complexes for use either directly on farms or as inputs into blends and customized formulations. DAP also has non-agricultural applications, including use as a fire-retardant material.
Conventional phosphate fertilizers
Triple superphosphate
Triple superphosphate is a concentrated phosphate fertilizer made primarily from phosphate processed with phosphoric acid. OCP supplies it for direct soil application and for incorporation into fertilizer programs adapted to different crops and soil conditions.
Customized fertilizers
Fortified NP+ and NPK+ fertilizers
OCP’s fortified products combine phosphorus and nitrogen with secondary nutrients, micronutrients or, in NPK+ formulations, potash. These fertilizers are designed around specific soil and crop requirements rather than a single universal formula. The group uses soil analysis and agronomic research to support field- and crop-specific recommendations.
Specialty fertilizers
Soluble fertilizers
Soluble fertilizers are formulated for high-value crops grown with irrigation systems such as drip or sprinkler networks. Their ability to dissolve in irrigation water supports precise nutrient delivery and can improve fertilizer-use efficiency. OCP positions these products as part of more resource-efficient agricultural production.
Animal feed
PHOSFEED
PHOSFEED is a phosphate-based animal-feed product made from phosphoric acid and calcium carbonate. The product is manufactured for livestock nutrition and is described as meeting GMP+, HACCP and ISO 22000 certification standards.
Controversies
Phosboucraa and Western Sahara resource-governance controversy
OCP’s operation of the Phosboucraa mine in Western Sahara has been challenged by campaigners and some investors because the territory is treated by the United Nations as non-self-governing. Disputes concern the legality of extraction by a foreign state-owned entity, consultation and consent, local employment claims, and the distribution of economic benefits. Some funds have divested from companies involved in purchasing or transporting the phosphate.
Marketing campaigns
- 2023Marrakesh-Safi earthquake relief
Morocco
Following the September 2023 earthquake, OCP contributed to the national relief effort.
Outcome. The reported contribution to Morocco’s earthquake relief fund was US$97.5 million.
- 2020Morocco COVID-19 emergency response
Morocco
OCP supported Morocco’s national coronavirus response by contributing to the emergency fund created in March 2020.
Outcome. The group’s reported contribution was US$310 million.
- 2016OCP Africa agricultural development program
Africa
OCP created OCP Africa to expand fertilizer access, soil analysis, farmer education, market development and locally adapted agronomic solutions across African countries.
Outcome. The initiative developed a network of subsidiaries and commercial programs serving multiple African markets.
Brand decisions
2016
Creation of OCP AfricaStrategyBackground
African agricultural markets required distribution networks, soil-specific products and farmer-support services in addition to imported fertilizer.
Action taken
OCP established OCP Africa to coordinate subsidiaries and develop fertilizer markets across the continent.
Aftermath
The platform expanded OCP’s commercial and agronomic presence in African countries.
2014
Commissioning of the Khouribga–Jorf Lasfar slurry pipelineStrategyBackground
Moving phosphate from inland mines to coastal chemical facilities by conventional methods required substantial logistics, energy and water resources.
Action taken
OCP launched a long-distance slurry pipeline connecting Khouribga with Jorf Lasfar.
Aftermath
The pipeline improved transport efficiency and reduced water and energy consumption associated with moving phosphate rock.
2008
Transformation into OCP S.A.StrategyBackground
The historic phosphate office required a corporate structure suited to large-scale industrial investment and international expansion.
Action taken
OCP was converted into a corporation while remaining predominantly owned by the Moroccan state.
Aftermath
The new structure supported partnerships, subsidiaries and capital-market financing without changing the group’s state-controlled character.
2007
Target to expand fertilizer productionStrategyBackground
OCP identified downstream fertilizer production as a higher-value growth area compared with relying primarily on mined phosphate exports.
Action taken
The group set an objective of tripling fertilizer production by 2020.
Aftermath
Subsequent investment expanded production capacity and strengthened OCP’s position as an integrated fertilizer manufacturer.
Sources2 sources
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