Former President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has called on African nations to embrace large scale agricultural development as a practical and sustainable path to economic diversification, insisting that the continent must move beyond dependence on raw material exports.
Masisi made the remarks on Thursday during a visit to Agbeyewa Farms in the Ipao and Gede Iyemero areas of Ekiti State, where he toured extensive cassava plantations and processing facilities operated by the agribusiness firm. His visit formed part of activities surrounding a traditional ceremony in which Ghana’s former President, John Dramani Mahama, was conferred with a chieftaincy title by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II. Mahama was honoured with the title Atayeto Oodua of the Source.
Welcomed by the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide, Masisi was taken through the farm’s integrated cassava value chain, where modern farming methods and industrial scale processing are being deployed to boost output and expand export ready by-products. He expressed strong admiration for what he described as a clear example of how agriculture can drive industrial growth across Africa.
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Masisi said the project demonstrated a decisive break from the long standing pattern of exporting raw commodities only to import finished goods at premium prices. He noted that the processing of cassava into industrial inputs and essential chemicals with export value showed how Africa could capture more wealth from its resources. According to him, with the right policies and sustained government backing, the continent has the capacity to meet global demand for cassava and other strategic crops.
He added that while not all export driven ventures succeed, prioritising local production and value addition remains one of the surest ways to build resilient economies. He described Agbeyewa Farms as a model initiative worthy of support and replication, saying it reflected the future of African agriculture.
In his response, Olajide thanked the former Botswana leader for the visit and endorsement, stressing that agriculture must be treated as a serious business capable of delivering strong returns. He said Agbeyewa Farms was built on a long term vision to transform African agriculture and position Nigeria as a major player in the global cassava market.
Olajide stated that the company’s ambition is to become the world’s largest cassava farm while meeting more than half of global demand. He called for stronger government support for young people and private sector investors, noting that such partnerships are essential to unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential.
He added that the farm remains committed to leading what he described as an agricultural revolution on the continent and expressed hope that Masisi would help amplify the message that agriculture, when properly structured, can power Africa’s economic future.
