“Africa Has the Potential to Meet Global Demand for Cassava” – Former President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetsi Masisi
… working at making Africa a formidable agricultural player on the globe.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing agricultural practices across the African continent, former President of Botswana, His Excellency Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetsi Masisi, embarked on a visit to Agbeyewa Farms located in the Ipao and Gede/Iyemero areas of Ekiti State, Nigeria. During this visit, he emphasized the critical importance of agricultural development as a strategic tool for diversifying economies within Africa. His tour coincided with a festive occasion where he attended the traditional conferment of a chieftaincy title on Ghana’s former President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, awarded by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II CFR, the Ooni of Ife, who bestowed upon him the title of Atayeto Oodua of the Source in Monday the 15th of December, 2025.
As part of his Nigerian visit, President Masisi was warmly received at Agbeyewa Farms by Mr. Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings. He was taken on an extensive tour of the expansive cassava farming operations, where he observed firsthand the innovative and modern farming technologies employed to optimize cassava production and its various by-products. The former president expressed his amazement at the level of technology-infused agricultural practices being implemented at the farm.
“I am thrilled to see such a visionary approach to agriculture here,” remarked President Masisi. “The entire cassava value chain is being fully utilized, along with the production and extraction of essential chemicals that hold promise for export. This initiative is not just commendable but is a transformational development for Africa. Gone are the days when we merely exported raw materials, only to import finished products at exorbitant prices. Witnessing this level of processing right here fills me with joy, and it is an initiative that deserves our unwavering support. Africa has the potential to meet the global demand for cassava with the right approach. Industries thrive with government backing, and while not all exports yield benefits, fostering local production can pave a prosperous path for Africa. I am proud to support this farm and its remarkable initiatives.”
Mr. Olajide, the visionary founder of Agbeyewa Farms, expressed his gratitude for the former president’s visit and reiterated the need for continued government support for youth and the private sector. “We are elated that His Excellency has witnessed our efforts firsthand and has responded positively. Our goal is to elevate agriculture to unprecedented heights while positioning ourselves as the world’s largest cassava farm. We are committed to turning our plans into reality and are dedicated to ensuring that we meet over half of the global demand for cassava.”
He further stressed the importance of treating agriculture as a serious business capable of generating significant returns on investment. “We are proud to be at the forefront of the agricultural revolution in Africa. We extend our heartfelt thanks to His Excellency and hope he carries back the message of encouraging greater youth involvement in agricultural business ventures across the continent, as such developments are crucial for our collective progress.”
Through such initiatives and partnerships, leaders like President Masisi and innovators like Mr. Olajide are working diligently towards establishing Africa as a formidable player in the global agricultural landscape.
