Cassava Processing in Nigeria: Unlocking a Global Opportunity.
Cassava processing in Nigeria isn’t just about feeding the nation—it’s a global economic opportunity. According to BusinessDay Nigeria, the global cassava processing market is currently valued at over $180 billion, spanning industrial starches, ethanol, gluten-free flour, and cosmetics. Despite being the world’s largest cassava producer, Nigeria captures only a fraction of this market, highlighting the urgent need to scale cassava processing in Nigeria locally.
Nigeria produces over 60 million metric tons of cassava annually, but more than 90% is consumed domestically in raw forms—boiled, pounded, or processed into garri, fufu, and starch. While these uses are vital for local diets, they generate minimal export or industrial value. Meanwhile, countries like Thailand transform cassava into high-value products for textiles, biofuel, gluten-free foods, animal feed, and pharmaceuticals, generating billions of dollars annually. For more on policies driving local processing and value addition in Nigeria, see A Closer Look at the 30% Local Processing Mandate
Despite persistent challenges, progress is underway in Nigeria’s cassava processing sector. Public and development institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), have prioritised agro-industrial value-chain development under programmes that include cassava. Lagos Business School (LBS) has also highlighted the sector’s potential: “Nigeria is uniquely positioned to emerge as a global powerhouse in industrial cassava production,” said Olayinka David-West, dean of LBS. At the same time, private-sector players, such as Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti State, are investing in large-scale processing facilities to produce starch for both local and international markets.
Cassava farmers and processors in Nigeria can earn more and scale faster when connected to local and international markets. Afrik Fair drives this by promoting quality cassava products, boosting market visibility, and supporting exports.
Nigeria already has the land, climate, and workforce to lead in cassava processing in Africa. With stronger policy support, targeted investment, and expanded entrepreneurial initiatives, the country can develop processing clusters, empower youth agripreneurs, enhance infrastructure for storage and drying, and strengthen systems for export certification—further advancing cassava processing in Nigeria across the value chain.