The African impact initiative of the year award goes to Edmond de Rothschild Private Equity & Amethis for their investment in Magriser, a leader in sustainable agriculture in Morocco, specialising in the production, distribution, and installation of irrigation systems. It produces high-density polyethylene (HDPE) irrigation pipes, composed of 90% recycled polymers and manufactured in a closed-loop system for pipe cooling.

This approach reduces water consumption by nearly 71,000 cubic meters per line and per year compared to traditional once-through methods. As a result, it is reported Magriser saves over 100 million cubic meters of water annually in Morocco, a country severely affected by water scarcity. Moreover, the company established a production facility in a rural area and recruited and trained 80% of its workforce locally, supporting economic development and empowering the surrounding community.

The past year has been critical for Magriser's development, with the new HDPE pipes replacing previously imported and more expensive pipes. By integrating recycling, Magriser not only reduces Morocco's dependence on foreign suppliers but also contributes to the circular economy, turning local challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.

Judges praised the initiative's focus on water usage/conservation, which is "underinvested in globally", alongside the "environmental and societal co-benefits" of sustainable agriculture and the "measurable impact reporting".