Moroccan agrotechnology startup Sand to Green has secured a $50,000 grant at DeepTech Summit 2025, marking a significant boost for Africa-led innovation aimed at restoring degraded land and strengthening food security across the continent. The grant, awarded in the Green Economy category, was presented during the summit held on May 8–9 at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir. The funding will support Sand to Green’s expansion across Africa, as well as parts of the Middle East and Southern Europe, with a primary focus on regions most affected by desertification and climate stress.
The recognition reflects growing investor confidence in African climate and agricultural technologies, particularly models that combine deep tech with local knowledge. As agriculture becomes increasingly data-driven, Africa-based startups are emerging as critical players in developing scalable, context-specific solutions for the continent’s environmental and food challenges. Founded in 2021 by Benjamin Rombaut, Gautier de Carcouët, and Wissal Ben Moussa, Sand to Green has developed a regenerative farming model that integrates satellite-based land analysis, solar-powered desalination, and agroforestry to rehabilitate arid and degraded landscapes. The company’s approach blends advanced environmental intelligence with community-driven land stewardship.
“This international recognition confirms what we strongly believe,” said Benjamin Rombaut, CEO and co-founder of Sand to Green. “Africa is not just a region affected by climate change — it is a place where transformative solutions are being designed, tested, and scaled in partnership with local communities.”
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Sand to Green’s rise comes amid increased investment by the Moroccan government and the World Bank through programmes such as the Morocco Digital and Climate Smart Agriculture initiative, which aims to modernise farming systems while improving climate resilience. Investors are also eyeing Morocco’s $12.39 billion agricultural market as a gateway for continent-wide agri-innovation. The company has previously raised $1 million in seed funding from investors including Norway-based Katapult and the Catalyst Fund, positioning it among a new wave of African startups tackling climate resilience through technology.
According to the United Nations, more than 40% of the world’s land is already degraded, affecting half of the global population and generating economic losses of up to $6 trillion annually. Africa bears a disproportionate share of this burden. The continent loses an estimated 3 million hectares of arable and forest land each year due to desertification, leading to a 3% annual reduction in GDP, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). As a result, African countries spend over $35 billion annually on food imports.
Sand to Green addresses these challenges by designing tailored agroecological systems based on soil composition, climate data, and land topography, while integrating local agricultural knowledge. Each project is co-created with farmers, rural communities, and local institutions, an approach the company says ensures long-term sustainability and community ownership. The startup generates revenue by developing and managing sustainable farms producing high-value crops such as nuts, grains, and herbs. Additional income streams include consulting, land development, and the creation of carbon credits sold to companies seeking to offset emissions.
Headquartered in Morocco, Sand to Green is currently active within the country and plans to scale further in the Tan-Tan region, with future projects expected across other African countries facing severe land degradation. The company is supported by NextAfrica, a pan-African accelerator led by UM6P and Paris-based STATION F, which provides mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to global investor networks.
By combining ancestral land management practices with modern satellite and water technologies, Sand to Green is building an Africa-rooted model that aims to turn degraded land into productive ecosystems, positioning the continent not only as a frontline of climate impact, but as a leader in climate solutions.
