Cassava continues to be a cornerstone of Africa’s food security and industrial development, according to Dr. Henry Emejuo, Director-General of the Pan-African Organisation for Small and Medium Industries (PAOSMI). Speaking during the recently concluded Africa Cassava Conference in Abuja, Emejuo highlighted the crop’s dual role as both a vital daily staple and a valuable economic commodity.
“Cassava’s versatility makes it indispensable in households,” Emejuo said. “There is hardly a day a Nigerian or African home does not consume a cassava-based product, such as garri or tapioca.” Beyond its dietary significance, he noted that cassava also contributes significantly to industrial outputs, including ethanol, high-quality cassava flour, sorbitol, and healthy sweeteners, all of which are critical to Africa’s manufacturing sector.
Conference Highlights: Unlocking Cassava’s Economic Potential
The three-day conference brought together policymakers, scientists, and industrialists from more than seven African countries to explore strategies for maximizing cassava’s value. Emejuo described the event as a success, emphasizing that the outcomes would guide African nations in expanding industrial cassava use and strengthening its contribution to economic development.
Mustafa Bakano, National President of the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, stressed that the conference addressed critical challenges for smallholder farmers, including access to finance, modern farming practices, and adherence to industrial standards. He added that the involvement of financial institutions like the Bank of Industry provided stakeholders the chance to develop practical, implementable solutions for governments.
Learning from Nigeria’s Cassava Leadership
Prof. Michael Kento, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Sciences and Food Security at the University of Juba, South Sudan, described the conference as an eye-opener. He expressed South Sudan’s interest in learning from Nigeria’s experience in cassava production, including extension services, processing, marketing, policy development, and research.
“Nigeria’s success in cassava can translate to continental success,” Kento said, noting that stronger collaboration could improve food security, nutrition, and industrial growth in South Sudan.
Prof. Emmanuel Bobobee from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, emphasized that mechanized cassava production is key to transforming the crop into a driver of Africa’s next industrial revolution. He showcased a mechanical cassava harvester already in use across several countries and highlighted its potential for large-scale production.
“The participation of seven countries demonstrates rising continental interest in cassava,” Bobobee said. “The crop should be central to Africa’s fourth industrial revolution. Ghana and Nigeria can benefit greatly from sharing innovations and strengthening cross-border collaboration.”
A Platform for Growth and Innovation
The conference created a platform for exploring opportunities in cassava processing, technology adoption, export, and product development across Africa. It concluded with a gala dinner and awards recognizing distinguished players and partners in the cassava sector.
As Africa continues to industrialize, experts agree that cassava will play an increasingly vital role in ensuring food security, supporting local industries, and driving economic growth across the continent.
