OCP Africa and UM6P launch the Digital Farming School project in Yamoussoukro

​​​​​​​UM6P's first branch in sub-Saharan Africa will train young Ivorians in the agro- technology professions.​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​On June 9, representatives of OCP Group subsidiary OCP Africa and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) laid the cornerstone with Ivorian authorities of the Digital Farming School at the Yamoussoukro technopole. The facility aims to become a driving force in agricultural training and innovation in sub-Saharan Africa.

In close collaboration with the Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INFHB) and the Ivorian Ministries of Agriculture and Industry, the Digital Farming School will be UM6P’s first outpost in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, declared the Year of Youth by President Alassane Ouattara, the Digital Farming School will offer students the opportunity to hone their agricultural technology skills. Over the next few months, about a hundred young Ivorians will receive training at the school's adjoining laboratory, where they will learn by doing and share their knowledge and experience (peer learning).

The participation of about 100 start-ups in the Farming Innovation Program launched by OCP Africa, UM6P and AgriEdge will enhance the school’s innovation ecosystem. AgriEdge is a digital platform that tightens connections between agricultural players (farmers, cooperatives, companies, suppliers, start-ups), R&D and technology to help them sustainably maximize profitability...