The Director-General of the Pan-African Organisation for Small and Medium Industries (PAOSMI), Dr. Henry Emejuo, has reaffirmed that cassava remains vital to Africa’s food security and industrial advancement.
Speaking in Abuja at the close of the three-day Africa Cassava Conference, Emejuo told the News Agency of Nigeria that cassava is both a daily staple and an economic asset that millions across the continent depend on.
He noted that the crop’s versatility makes it irreplaceable, saying there is hardly a day an African household does not consume a cassava-based product such as garri or tapioca.
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Beyond household consumption, Emejuo highlighted cassava’s broad industrial relevance, stating that the crop is used to produce ethanol, high-quality cassava flour, sorbitol, and healthy sweeteners deployed across multiple manufacturing sectors.
He added that the conference created a crucial platform for policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to align strategies aimed at boosting cassava utilisation and unlocking its full economic value.
According to him, delegates from more than seven African countries assessed policy, scientific, and technical issues affecting the cassava value chain, with resolutions expected to guide future industrial expansion.
The National President of the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, Mustafa Bakano, stated that discussions at the event addressed major challenges confronting smallholder farmers, including access to finance, improved farming practices, and adherence to industrial standards.
He noted that the participation of financial institutions such as the Bank of Industry offered a chance to propose actionable solutions that would be forwarded to African governments.
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 said South Sudan hopes to learn from Nigeria’s lead in cassava production, particularly in processing, extension services, marketing, research and policy development.
Kento stressed that Nigeria’s cassava achievements would ultimately benefit the continent, as deeper collaboration could strengthen food security, nutrition and industrial growth across Africa.
Similarly, Prof. Emmanuel Bobobee of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, emphasized that mechanised cassava farming is essential to transforming the crop into a key driver of Africa’s next industrial phase. He said his mechanical cassava harvester, already deployed in several countries, could support large-scale production if adopted more widely.
He added that the participation of multiple African countries reflects rising continental interest in cassava and called for the crop to be placed at the centre of Africa’s fourth industrial revolution.
The conference brought together key stakeholders from government, research institutions, industry, and farming communities to explore new opportunities in cassava processing, technology adoption, exports, and value addition. It concluded with a dinner and awards presentation to distinguished contributors in the sector.
