Ben Guerir – UM6P’s Science Week is increasingly turning into the ultimate platform shedding light on Morocco’s rise as a leading African voice in a range of strategic sectors.
The North African country pocesses the largest raw phosphate reserve, thus putting it at the heart of Africa’s and the world’s quest for sustainability, a prominent expert emphatically argued on Monday in his keynote speech on the opening day of UM6P’s Science Week.
Jacob Jones, Director of Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS), delivered his keynote presentation on phosphorus sustainability, focusing on Morocco’s pivotal role in this critical resource.
“Morocco is the ideal location to have such conversations because of its key position in world phosphorus sustainability,” Jones noted, referring to Morocco’s control of approximately 70% of global phosphate rock reserves.
Phosphorus drives key plant processes like energy and nutrient transport, photosynthesis, and cell division. Thus, when applied correctly, phosphorus-rich fertilizers boost the availability of this vital nutrient for crops, enhancing their growth and productivity.
On the sidelines of a presentation on Phosphorus and Sustainability, Jones spoke of the contribution of phosphorus to sustainability.
In an interview with Morocco World News (MWN) Jones said: as holder of 70% of the world’s phosphate rock reserves,” Morocco is well positioned as “an ideal leadership to help convene the world on understanding sustainability of phosphate use.”
Jones further explained to MWN that “as the holder of 70% of the world’s phosphate rock reserves,” Morocco is well positioned as “an ideal leadership to help convene the world on understanding sustainability of phosphate use.”
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STEPS’ director outlined dramatic future challenges, particularly in Africa, noting that “over the next 75 years, the United Nations projects that the greatest population growth will be in sub-Saharan Africa.”
In particular, he explained, “countries like Nigeria are projected to need over a 900% increase in phosphorus between now and 2050.”
As the Science Week gathers scientists from different fields, Jones’s presentation focused on the weight of interdisciplinary approaches to tackle these challenges.
“What we must not do is work in silos as scientists,” Jones warned, advocating for what he calls a “convergence approach” that integrates diverse fields from microbiology to computer science and engineering.
The STEPS Center’s work includes innovative research methods, such as using Bayesian hierarchical modeling to track phosphorus flows across continents.
Jones explained that understanding the relationships between climate, agriculture, and soil chemistry in driving phosphorus concentrations demonstrates why nutrient management must be tailored to different ecological regions, including Africa.
The convergence of Science Week’s vision for African scientific leadership and Jones’s expertise in phosphorus sustainability highlights UM6P’s unique position at the intersection of global challenges and local solutions.
The Science Week program will continue through February 23. Featuring sessions on artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, future careers, and the intersection of science, ethics, and philosophy, it reflects UM6P’s commitment to interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges.
