Morocco has reached a new milestone in its industrialization strategy with the official groundbreaking of the AYA (Anouar Yieldest Additives) project. Developed by Anouar Invest Group, this strategic investment strengthens the country’s agri-industrial and biotechnology value chain. The facility is located in the Jorf Lasfar industrial zone in El Jadida.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Ahmed El Bouari, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Mr. Karim Zidane, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Investment, Convergence, and the Evaluation of Public Policies, Mr. Omar Hejira, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, and Mr. El Hachmi Boutgueray, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Anouar Invest.
At the ceremony, a partnership agreement was signed between the Anouar Invest Group and several government bodies, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, the Ministry of Investment, Convergence, and the Evaluation of Public Policies, and the Secretariat of State for Foreign Trade.
This project is fully in line with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, who regards productive investment as a key driver for revitalizing the national economy and strengthening Morocco’s footprint in high-potential sectors. It also aligns with the Royal ambition by contributing to the Kingdom’s industrial diversification, reinforcing its food sovereignty, and positioning the country within innovative, high value-added industries.
The plant will produce three strategic product lines: fresh yeast, dry yeast, and baking improvers. Designed with a large-scale annual production capacity, the project is expected to deliver 25,000 tons, with the potential to reach 58,000 tons at full expansion. True to its national commitment, Anouar Invest will prioritize local sourcing, with 95% of raw materials supplied from Morocco, thereby strengthening the country’s industrial sovereignty.
The total investment of 480 million dirhams, funded by CDG Capital as the lead arranger in a consortium with CIH Bank, reflects Anouar Invest’s commitment to building a cutting-edge industrial facility while achieving a local integration rate of 60%. Covering an area of 7.1 hectares, including 28,700 m² of built space across three levels, the plant is expected to create over 500 direct and indirect jobs. Designed as a green project, it will include a water treatment facility compliant with both national and international standards. The installed electrical capacity will reach 14 MW, with 40% sourced from green electricity, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the AYA site.
This initiative reaffirms Anouar Invest Group’s ambition to consolidate Morocco’s position as a regional hub and establish the country as a key player in biotechnology applied to agri-industry. The AYA unit is designed to meet the growing market demand for yeast and baking improvers, while also contributing to Morocco’s international expansion by exporting 30% of its production.
Mr. Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, emphasized: “This project perfectly reflects the momentum of industrialization that Morocco is experiencing, as well as the confidence of national investors in the potential of our economy. With AYA, we are strengthening the country’s food and industrial sovereignty while creating a new export-oriented biotechnology sector. This initiative is fully aligned with our industrial strategy, actively contributing to job creation and the upskilling of Moroccan talent, while having a positive impact on the region’s industrial fabric by reinforcing the local economy and promoting territorial equity.”
Mr. Ahmed El Bouari, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, stated that the AYA project is fully aligned with the orientations of the “Génération Green” strategy, which places the agricultural sector at the heart of Morocco’s economic and social development. By valorizing molasses, a by-product of the sugar industry, this project exemplifies the integration of complementary activities between upstream agriculture and downstream industry. It will thus contribute to creating added value and jobs, while strengthening national food security and consolidating a sustainable and inclusive development model.
Mr. Karim Zidane, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Investment, Convergence, and the Evaluation of Public Policies, added: “This innovative project, supported under the framework of the New Investment Charter, contributes to the realization of the enlightened Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, with regard to food and industrial sovereignty. It embodies the rise of a sustainable and competitive national industry, one that creates jobs and is driven by Moroccan talent.”
Mr. Omar Hejira, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, stated: “The AYA project reflects Morocco’s ability to develop an export-oriented industry, thereby strengthening the Kingdom’s position within global value chains and highlighting its national expertise. It is an important step toward a more diversified and resilient economy, and this project aligns perfectly with the government’s 2025–2027 Foreign Trade program aimed at boosting Moroccan export figures.”
This project represents a major step forward in the valorization of agricultural products. The main raw material used in the yeast production process is molasses, obtained after extracting sugar from beet and cane. Through this project, molasses is given a second life as a strategic raw material in the production process, contributing to a more sustainable circular economy. This transformation not only reduces agricultural waste but also generates added value from a product previously considered residual.
The project timeline reflects a carefully planned and ambitious approach. Following the land acquisition and technical studies in 2022, along with the signing of the investment agreement in February 2025, construction officially begins in September 2025. Production is scheduled to start by mid-2027, ahead of a second expansion phase in 2029, which will further strengthen AYA’s industrial capacity and international footprint.
From a technological perspective, the yeast production process relies on an integrated, state-of-the-art system that adheres to the strictest international biotechnology standards, ensuring a finished product of the highest quality.
With this project, Anouar Invest marks a new milestone in its history and reaffirms its commitment to combining innovation, industrial excellence, and sustainability. Through AYA, the Group demonstrates its ability to invest in future-oriented industries while contributing to food sovereignty, job creation, and added value for Morocco.
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