Turning Deserts into Green Gold: The Rise of Agrotechnology in Morocco
May 21, 2025, 4:05 am
Location: United States, District of Columbia, Washington
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1944
Total raised: $530M
In the heart of Morocco, a revolution is brewing. It’s not a political upheaval or a cultural renaissance. It’s a green revolution, one that promises to transform barren deserts into thriving farms. At the forefront of this movement is Sand to Green, an agrotechnology startup that recently secured a $50,000 grant at the DeepTech Summit 2025. This funding is more than just a financial boost; it’s a lifeline for a region grappling with the harsh realities of desertification and food insecurity.
Founded in 2021, Sand to Green is led by a trio of visionaries: Benjamin Rombaut, Gautier de Carcouët, and Wissal Ben Moussa. Their mission is clear: to convert degraded land into productive farmland using innovative technology. The company’s approach is a blend of satellite-driven land analysis, solar-powered desalination, and regenerative agroforestry. This trifecta of techniques aims to breathe life into arid zones, creating sustainable ecosystems where once there was only sand.
The grant awarded at the summit, organized by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, is a testament to the growing investor interest in the agriculture technology-as-a-service (AaaS) sector in Africa. The spotlight is on startups like Sand to Green, which are not just about profit but about restoring ecosystems and providing food security. The Moroccan government, alongside the World Bank, is investing heavily in agrotechnology, recognizing its potential to combat climate change and enhance agricultural productivity.
Morocco’s agriculture market is a giant, valued at $12.39 billion. Yet, it faces immense challenges. Over 40% of the world’s land is degraded, and Africa loses approximately 3 million hectares of arable land each year due to desertification. This loss translates to a staggering economic impact, costing the continent billions in food imports and stunting GDP growth. Sand to Green is stepping into this breach, offering solutions that not only promise economic returns but also environmental restoration.
The company’s model is unique. It integrates environmental data—soil type, climate patterns, and topography—with local agricultural practices. This tailored approach ensures that projects are co-developed with rural communities, farmers, and local institutions. It’s a strategy that fosters long-term viability and community buy-in. By involving local stakeholders, Sand to Green is not just planting seeds in the ground; it’s sowing trust and collaboration.
Revenue generation for Sand to Green comes from multiple streams. The company designs and manages sustainable farms that cultivate high-value crops like nuts, grains, and herbs. Additionally, it offers consulting services and land development, while also generating carbon credits. These credits can be sold to businesses looking to offset their emissions, creating a win-win scenario for both the environment and the economy.
As Sand to Green looks to expand its operations, the Tan-Tan region of Morocco is on the horizon. This area, like many others, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The company’s innovative solutions could serve as a blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges. By marrying traditional land stewardship with cutting-edge technology, Sand to Green is betting on a model that can scale both economically and ecologically.
The significance of this initiative extends beyond Morocco. It speaks to a broader narrative of resilience in the face of climate change. The United Nations has highlighted the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices, especially in regions most affected by desertification. Sand to Green’s work aligns with these global priorities, positioning the company as a key player in the fight against food insecurity.
Investors are taking notice. The success of Sand to Green mirrors trends seen across the continent. South Africa’s Aerobotics, for instance, has raised significant funding, underscoring the appetite for agrotechnology solutions in Africa. The momentum is building, and the potential for growth is immense.
In a world where climate change looms large, initiatives like Sand to Green offer a glimmer of hope. They remind us that innovation can flourish even in the most challenging environments. By transforming deserts into fertile lands, Sand to Green is not just cultivating crops; it’s cultivating a future where food security and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.
As the company embarks on its journey of expansion, it carries with it the dreams of countless farmers and communities. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but the vision is clear. With each seed planted, Sand to Green is nurturing a movement that could redefine agriculture in Morocco and beyond. The desert may be vast, but the potential for growth is limitless. In the battle against desertification, Sand to Green is leading the charge, turning sand into green gold.
Founded in 2021, Sand to Green is led by a trio of visionaries: Benjamin Rombaut, Gautier de Carcouët, and Wissal Ben Moussa. Their mission is clear: to convert degraded land into productive farmland using innovative technology. The company’s approach is a blend of satellite-driven land analysis, solar-powered desalination, and regenerative agroforestry. This trifecta of techniques aims to breathe life into arid zones, creating sustainable ecosystems where once there was only sand.
The grant awarded at the summit, organized by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, is a testament to the growing investor interest in the agriculture technology-as-a-service (AaaS) sector in Africa. The spotlight is on startups like Sand to Green, which are not just about profit but about restoring ecosystems and providing food security. The Moroccan government, alongside the World Bank, is investing heavily in agrotechnology, recognizing its potential to combat climate change and enhance agricultural productivity.
Morocco’s agriculture market is a giant, valued at $12.39 billion. Yet, it faces immense challenges. Over 40% of the world’s land is degraded, and Africa loses approximately 3 million hectares of arable land each year due to desertification. This loss translates to a staggering economic impact, costing the continent billions in food imports and stunting GDP growth. Sand to Green is stepping into this breach, offering solutions that not only promise economic returns but also environmental restoration.
The company’s model is unique. It integrates environmental data—soil type, climate patterns, and topography—with local agricultural practices. This tailored approach ensures that projects are co-developed with rural communities, farmers, and local institutions. It’s a strategy that fosters long-term viability and community buy-in. By involving local stakeholders, Sand to Green is not just planting seeds in the ground; it’s sowing trust and collaboration.
Revenue generation for Sand to Green comes from multiple streams. The company designs and manages sustainable farms that cultivate high-value crops like nuts, grains, and herbs. Additionally, it offers consulting services and land development, while also generating carbon credits. These credits can be sold to businesses looking to offset their emissions, creating a win-win scenario for both the environment and the economy.
As Sand to Green looks to expand its operations, the Tan-Tan region of Morocco is on the horizon. This area, like many others, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The company’s innovative solutions could serve as a blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges. By marrying traditional land stewardship with cutting-edge technology, Sand to Green is betting on a model that can scale both economically and ecologically.
The significance of this initiative extends beyond Morocco. It speaks to a broader narrative of resilience in the face of climate change. The United Nations has highlighted the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices, especially in regions most affected by desertification. Sand to Green’s work aligns with these global priorities, positioning the company as a key player in the fight against food insecurity.
Investors are taking notice. The success of Sand to Green mirrors trends seen across the continent. South Africa’s Aerobotics, for instance, has raised significant funding, underscoring the appetite for agrotechnology solutions in Africa. The momentum is building, and the potential for growth is immense.
In a world where climate change looms large, initiatives like Sand to Green offer a glimmer of hope. They remind us that innovation can flourish even in the most challenging environments. By transforming deserts into fertile lands, Sand to Green is not just cultivating crops; it’s cultivating a future where food security and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.
As the company embarks on its journey of expansion, it carries with it the dreams of countless farmers and communities. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but the vision is clear. With each seed planted, Sand to Green is nurturing a movement that could redefine agriculture in Morocco and beyond. The desert may be vast, but the potential for growth is limitless. In the battle against desertification, Sand to Green is leading the charge, turning sand into green gold.