Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Morocco has expressed readiness to collaborate with Nigeria to strengthen its fertiliser industry, leveraging opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This initiative aims to enhance intra-African trade and bolster agricultural productivity across the continent.
Khalid Baddou, UM6P’s Chief of Staff and Director of Institutional Affairs, announced the university’s commitment to support Nigerian industry players in exploring the $16 billion African fertiliser market.
He stated that the agricultural sector benefits significantly from streamlined trade policies and reduced tariffs under AfCFTA.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in local fertiliser manufacturing, with over $15 billion invested by the private sector.
Companies like OCP and Dangote have established numerous fertiliser manufacturing and blending plants, contributing to this growth.
UM6P plans to extend its support beyond Nigeria by training African fertiliser professionals.
As new fertiliser plants emerge to meet growing demand, a skilled workforce will be essential for their efficient and sustainable operation.
The university boasts state-of-the-art research laboratories, pilot plants, and a dedicated faculty comprising experts in soil science, plant nutrition, chemical engineering, and sustainable agriculture.
Bruno Gerard, Head of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at UM6P, emphasised the need to enhance technical expertise within the fertiliser industry to pave the way for greater intra-African collaboration and trade.
He noted that UM6P is positioning itself as a leading centre of excellence for fertiliser education and training in Africa, contributing to developing a vibrant and competitive continental fertiliser industry.
UM6P’s collaboration with Nigeria will encompass capacity building, research and development, and industrial development support.
A central focus will be training a new generation of African professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage and operate modern fertiliser plants.
UM6P plans to offer specialised training programmes, workshops, and exchange programmes for Nigerian and other African technicians, engineers, and managers, covering various aspects of the fertiliser industry.
This partnership aligns with UM6P’s broader mission to catalyse African innovation and human capital development.
By sharing expertise in fertiliser science and technology, UM6P aims to empower Nigeria and other African nations to unlock the vast potential of their agricultural sectors within the framework of AfCFTA.
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