(Ecofin Agency) - Emirati group Elite Agro said it will increase its investments in Morocco to become a major actor of the fruit sector. According to the firm’s head, Abdulmonem Almarzooqi, it plans to operate 1,500 ha of orchards in the five next years.

The Rabat-based group is presently in negotiations for about 108 ha of arable lands around Kenitra while 170 ha will be used to grow pomegranate at Beni Mellal. In Sefrou, a 243 ha orchard will be developed and used to grow apples and peaches. 

Abdulmonem Almarzooqi indicated that Morocco was not the group’s only priority. We are eying other investment opportunities across the continent. “We believe that Mauritania for example, is quite an attractive market,” he said.

Aaron Akinocho