Ethiopia to benefit from an impulse startup program set to build linkages between corporations and start-ups using Agritech solutions
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and OCP Africa have partnered to start the program in Ethiopia. According to the press statement issued by the company, the program aims at helping Ethiopia unlock its agricultural potential
“Following the success of the Impulse program in Ghana, Nigeria and Ivory Coast, OCP Africa is making the last stop in Ethiopia, to convene with key stakeholders from the agriculture, entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems,” the statement read.
The program is a 12-week acceleration program dedicated to innovative start-ups in the field of biotech, agritech, mining tech and material science and Nanoengineering. It uses an impact-focused model to help entrepreneurs take their startups to the next level.
“The agricultural transformation in Ethiopia represents a unique opportunity for Agritech start-ups,” said. We believe the Impulse start-up acceleration program can add value to develop Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, through innovative technologies,” Mr. Mehdi Filani, OCP Ethiopia Country Director.
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The Impulse program accelerates the development of innovative start-ups including mentoring and coaching, access to potential business opportunities and study trips to the ecosystems of Boston and Lausanne.
It targets start-ups operating in fields related to the value chain of OCP Group and UM6P’s research agenda to help Africa’s agriculture sector increase its productivity in a sustainable manner.
OCP Group is working with the Ethiopian government to jointly develop a $ 3.7 billion fertilizer platform in the country. OCP is currently supplying 100% of Ethiopia’s demand for phosphate fertilizers while granting timely access to high quality and customized fertilizers for Ethiopian farmers.
OCP Africa a subsidiary of OCP Group is a leading global provider of phosphate and its derivatives with almost 100 years of experience based in Morocco. OCP Africa was created in 2016 for the purpose of working hand-in-hand with farmers to contribute to unlocking Africa’s vast agricultural potential.
It produces fertilizer solutions customized to local conditions and crop needs. It works with partners in different African governments, non-profits and private enterprises to connect farmers to agricultural services, knowledge and resources they need in order to prosper.