In my last post, What if the Next Big Thing Isn’t Tech, but CASSAVA? I talked about the hidden potential of cassava - a crop that has been quietly shaping economies and feeding millions.

The more I dig into the cassava value chain, the more I realize how vast the opportunities are. From new farming models to technological innovations, cassava is ready to become a key driver of both local and global economies. The exciting part? You can be a part of it.

This post is your playbook - actionable ideas for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone who wants to build wealth while positively impacting lives through the cassava value chain. Buckle up, because what you’re about to read might just change the way you see agriculture forever.

Business Opportunities in the Cassava Value Chain

Cassava isn’t just a crop you plant and sell - it’s a multi-faceted business opportunity that touches a range of industries. Whether you're looking to start small or scale big, cassava offers a variety of avenues to explore. Here are a few game-changing opportunities you might not have thought about:

1. Combining Real Estate with Farming

Farming and real estate might seem like an unlikely pair, but when combined, they create a profitable and sustainable model. Farm estates allow urban professionals, investors, and aspiring farmers to own or lease portions of farmland without the hassle of managing day-to-day operations. It’s like owning a piece of the agricultural pie while letting the experts handle the details.

Why It’s Exciting:

Think of it as a team effort. Farm estates bring together resources, expertise, and manpower to cultivate and process cassava efficiently. Skilled farmers handle the day-to-day, while shared facicilties like irrigation systems and processing units boost productivity. It's a win-win: as an investor, you get consistent returns, and as a farmer, you gain access to resources you couldn't afford individually.

Market Insight:

• Despite increasing urbanization, many people still crave a connection to nature and rural life. Farm estates offer a way to experience this connection without the full committment of traditional farming.
• Farm stays, farm-to-table experiences and educational visits to farms are becioming increasingly popular. Farm estates can capitalize on this trend offering such amenities.

How you can Tap into this idea:

• Farm estates: Identify land in cassava-rich regions, and develop partnerships with local communities or investors to establish farm estates.
• Farm stays and lodges: Provide comfortable accommodations for tourists seeking a rural escape and connection with nature.
• Cassava processing tours: Offer educational tours showcasing the journey of cassava from farm to finished product.
• Cassava-based cooking classes: Teach visitors how to prepare traditional and modern dishes using cassava.
• Educational programs: Host school groups and families for interactive learning experiences about sustainable agriculture and the importance of cassava.

2. Repurposing Local Delicacies for the Modern Consumer

Think ready-to-eat meals! In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key - especially when it comes to food. But what if you could enjoy your favorite traditional African dish without hours of preparation? That’s exactly what’s happening with cassava-based products, as local delicacies are being reimagined for the modern, on-the-go consumer in ready-to-eat formats.

For example: Who would have thought that African salad (abacha), a beloved Nigerian delicacy made from grated cassava, could be packaged like instant noodles? Traditionally, making abacha requires peeling, grating, and soaking cassava, followed by mixing with spices, vegetables, and sometimes fish or meat. This process can take hours.

But now, companies are taking this traditional dish and packaging it for a much quicker meal solution - instant abacha. The product comes in a simple ready-to-eat format, just like any instant food product, and all you need to do is add water. The convenience of this idea can attract both diaspora communities craving a taste of home and urban consumers seeking new, easy-to-prepare options.

Why It’s Exciting:

This approach capitalizes on the global trend of increasing demand for convenience foods, especially ethnic and authentic dishes. The health-conscious millennial and Gen Z demographic is particularly interested in quick, easy, and nutrient-dense meals. And with cassava's rising popularity due to its gluten-free nature, the demand for ready-to-eat African foods is only set to grow.

Market Insight:

• According to Euromonitor International, the global convenience food market is expanding rapidly, driven by both busy urban lifestyles and a rising demand for ethnic foods.
• A report by Mintel indicates that cultural authenticity in food products is a key trend for consumers, especially those looking for healthier options that align with global dietary preferences, such as gluten-free or plant-based foods.

How You Can Tap Into This Idea:

• Research local delicacies that are widely loved but time-consuming to prepare. Start by identifying how these dishes can be streamlined for modern consumption.
• Work with food experts to preserve the authenticity of the dish while adapting it for packaging and convenience.
• Focus on high-quality packaging and sustainable ingredients to appeal to local and international markets.

3. Leveraging the Uber Model

What if accessing farming tools could be as easy as hailing a ride on Uber? That’s the vision behind applying the Uber model to cassava farming. Technology isn’t just about data and apps - it’s about making resources accessible, scalable, and affordable. Through platforms that connect farmers with equipment owners, smallholders can access tools like tractors, planters, and harvesters without the high cost of ownership.

Why It’s Exciting:

Cassava farming has long been held back by manual labor and inefficient practices. Mechanization offers the promise of higher yields and lower costs, but it’s often out of reach for small-scale farmers. With the Uber model, that changes. Farmers can now book equipment on demand, ensuring they have the tools they need during critical farming windows. This system not only improves productivity but also creates a steady income stream for equipment owners.

Market Insight

• Mechanization of agriculture is critical in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where 220 million farmers live on less than $2 per day, and average farm sizes are just 2 hectartes, compared to 178 hectares in the U.S. The Uber model, exemplified by Hello Tractor, bridges this gap by making mechanization affordable and scalable.
• The global agricultural machinery market is expected to grow to $253 billion by 2028, driven by demand for precision agriculture and shared equipment models.

How you can tap into this idea

• Partner with agribusinesses or existing equipment owners to establish a fleet of shared tools.
• Develop a user-friendly app or SMS-based platform for farmers to book services easily, even in areas with limited internet access.
• Focus on training both farmers and operators to snsure smooth adoption of the system.

4. Connecting Local Cassava to Global Markets

The global demand for cassava-based products - such as flour, chips, and starch - is growing rapidly, and Africa has the perfect opportunity to capitalize on it. However, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring that local farmers and processors can meet the quality standards and logistical demands required for international exports. Export hubs offer a solution by acting as centralized facilities where local cassava can be processed, packaged, and prepared for export markets, ensuring consistency, quality, and international certification.

Why It’s Exciting

An export hub provides an integrated solution for local farmers and cassava processors, offering services like processing, packaging, and quality control. These hubs allow smallholder farmers to access global markets without having to worry about the complexities of certification, logistics, or meeting international standards. It also opens up opportunities for large-scale exporters to benefit from the growing demand for cassava-based gluten-free products, bioethanol, and sustainable packaging.

Market Insight

• Africa produces over 60% of the world’s cassava, yet only a fraction of that is exported due to challenges in quality control, processing, and logistical infrastructure. The global demand for cassava starch alone is projected to increase at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2024 to 2028, reaching $6.06 billion by 2028, driven by demand from food processors, pharmaceutical companies, and the bioplastics industry.
• Export hubs can tap into this demand, especially as the market for gluten-free and sustainable packaging products increases. 
• Nigeria, for example, is already exporting cassava flour to countries in the EU and USA, but there are still vast untapped opportunities. According to the International Trade Centre, African exporters face challenges in meeting the quality assurance standards required by international buyers.

How you can tap into this idea

• Export processing facilities: Set up centralized processing hubs in cassava-rich areas where local farmers can bring their raw cassava to be processed, packaged, and certified for export.
• Certification and compliance services: Partner with certification bodies to provide exporters with quality certification services (e.g., ISO, organic certification) to help them meet international standards.
• Logistics and distribution: Develop logistical solutions for transporting cassava products to global markets, including packaging and storage facilities that meet the specifications of international buyers.

5. Smart Farming

Agriculture is evolving, and technology is leading the way - especially in cassava farming. Notice how I didn’t merge this with the Uber model section? That’s because smart farming and shared mechanization serve different purposes, though they both leverage technology to make farming smarter and more efficient. While the Uber model brings shared equipment to farmers, smart farming is about precision, data, and real-time insights to help farmers optimize every aspect of their crop production.

With the increasing adoption of smart farming tools, precision agriculture, and data-driven insights, farmers can now optimize their processes, improve yields, and reduce costs. The rise of digital tools like mobile apps, IoT sensors, and drones has the potential to revolutionize the way cassava is grown, processed, and marketed. But it's not just about using tech for the sake of it; it's about making farming smarter, more efficient, and more profitable.

Why It’s Exciting

Think about this: A smallholder cassava farmer in Nigeria, who once had to rely on guesswork for soil health, now has access to real-time data from an app on soil moisture, temperature, and pest activity. This not only increases their yield but also helps them make more informed decisions. Additionally, the use of drones for monitoring large farms or IoT sensors that track nutrient levels means farmers can now predict and prevent issues before they arise, leading to a more sustainable approach to farming.

Market Insight

• Digital agriculture in Africa is booming. According to a Microsoft article, Africa could become the global centre of agritech solutions with a projected value of $1 trillion by 2030, fueled by a rapid digital transformation.
• Platforms like Twiga Foods (Kenya) have successfully implemented mobile tech solutions to improve the efficiency of food supply chains, and similar approaches can be applied to cassava farming to enhance productivity and market access.
• Data-driven agriculture is expected to be worth $22.6 billion by 2028, with IoT applications in agriculture (like soil sensors and weather forecasts) leading the way.

How you can tap into this idea

• Farm management apps: Develop or partner with platforms that enable farmers to track key metrics, from soil health to crop performance, pest management, and market pricing. These apps can empower farmers with the data they need to make decisions that improve profitability.
• IoT sensors: Introduce sensors that monitor variables such as soil moisture, temperature, and pest activity in real-time. Farmers can receive automated alerts, helping them take proactive actions to improve crop health.
• Drone technology: Use drones to survey large cassava farms and collect data for precision farming. Drones can capture aerial images that help farmers identify areas in need of intervention, such as pests or diseased plants.

6. Logistics and Transportation

One of the major challenges in the cassava value chain is the perishability of the crop. Cassava is prone to spoilage within just a few days after harvesting due to its high water content. As a result, post-harvest losses in cassava can be as high as 40% if it’s not properly stored or transported to processing centers in time. Logistics and transportation are key factors in ensuring that cassava reaches markets, processors, and consumers in its best condition.

Why It’s Exciting

Improving cassava’s transportation and logistics system isn’t just about preserving the crop; it’s also about creating a more efficient and profitable value chain. Whether it’s offering cold chain logistics, last-mile delivery services, or regional transportation hubs, there are countless opportunities for entrepreneurs to play a role in streamlining the cassava supply chain. By reducing spoilage and improving access to both local and global markets, businesses can generate significant profits while addressing one of the most pressing challenges faced by cassava producers.

Market Insight

• The global cold chain logistics market is projected to reach $892.27 billion by 2030, driven by the growing demand for fresh, perishable products in both developed and emerging markets.
• In countries like Nigeria, farmers lose over $9 billion annually due to post-harvest losses, much of which is due to poor transportation and storage systems.

How you can tap into this idea

• Cold chain solutions: Establish refrigerated transportation and storage facilities to ensure that cassava stays fresh as it travels from farms to processing units or markets. This is especially important for cassava products destined for international export or processed food markets.
• Last-mile delivery: Set up local distribution networks that provide affordable, timely delivery services for smallholder farmers who need to get their produce to market quickly.
• Transportation hubs and aggregation centers: Create regional transport hubs where cassava can be stored temporarily before being moved to larger markets. These hubs can also provide processing services to help reduce transportation costs and minimize spoilage.

7. Cassava Flour Production

Cassava flour is not just another alternative flour; it’s a game-changer for the agricultural sector. It creates new avenues for farmers, processors, and entrepreneurs to cater to a growing global demand for healthy, sustainable, and gluten-free foods. This opportunity taps into multiple market trends - health, sustainability, and plant-based diets - positioning cassava flour as a major player in the food industry’s future.

Why It’s Exciting

Cassava flour offers a healthy, sustainable, and non-GMO alternative to wheat flour. It’s gluten-free, rich in fiber, and ideal for baking and cooking. As people look for healthier, plant-based food options, the demand for gluten-free products, particularly those made from cassava flour, is expected to continue growing. Cassava flour also caters to people seeking low-calorie and high-nutrient food options.

Market Insight

• According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global gluten-free food market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2019, and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2020 to 2027, driven by increasing consumer awareness of gluten-free diets.
• Cassava flour is also gaining popularity in the US, Europe, and Asia, especially in markets like Brazil, where it’s used in traditional gluten-free recipes.
• Africa, as the leading producer of cassava, can significantly increase its market share by tapping into the global demand for gluten-free products, particularly as consumer interest in healthier, more sustainable food options continues to rise.

How you can tap into this idea

• Cassava flour processing: Setting up a processing plant to convert raw cassava into high-quality flour for local and international markets.
• Value-added cassava products: Develop ready-to-use cassava flour blends for baking cakes, bread, and other products.

8. Starch Production

Cassava starch is a versatile, high-demand product used in industries ranging from food production to textiles, pharmaceuticals, and even bioplastics. While it’s traditionally seen as a local staple, cassava starch has increasingly gained prominence in industrial applications. As the world shifts towards sustainability and more eco-conscious manufacturing, cassava starch is emerging as an ideal alternative to synthetic polymers and other industrial materials.

Why It’s Exciting

Cassava starch is used in a variety of industries because it’s biodegradable, cost-effective, and highly versatile. From textiles to food processing, there is an untapped potential for cassava starch to substitute more expensive and less sustainable materials. In fact, cassava starch is increasingly being used in biodegradable plastics, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and paper. As a result, businesses can capitalize on multiple sectors by focusing on cassava starch production.

Market Insight

• Global demand for cassava starch is expected to grow at a rate of 6.5% annually through 2032, driven by its use in food processing, bioethanol production, and green technologies such as biodegradable plastics.
• Asia, particularly China and India, is a huge consumer of cassava starch, where it is used extensively in food products, such as noodles, sauces, and baked goods. This growth is expected to increase with demand for gluten-free and organic alternatives.
• According to FAO, cassava starch also plays a key role in the pharmaceutical industry as a binding agent in tablet production, a market that continues to grow as healthcare demands rise.

How you can tap into this idea

• Industrial Starch Production: Invest in setting up a starch processing facility to produce high-quality cassava starch for use in food, textile, pharmaceutical, and bioplastic industries.
• Biodegradable Plastics: Produce eco-friendly packaging and biodegradable plastics from cassava starch. As sustainability efforts increase, demand for cassava-based alternatives to petroleum-based plastics is set to skyrocket.
• Export Opportunities: Focus on exporting cassava starch to international markets where it is in high demand, especially in Asia, Europe, and North America.

9. Garri Processing

Garri is one of the most consumed and reliable cassava products in Africa. From street vendors to households, garri has been a staple for generations. However, much of the garri processing still relies on traditional methods - manual grinding, drying, and frying - leading to inconsistencies in quality, longer production times, and higher labor costs. As the demand for quality cassava-based products increases, there's a significant opportunity to modernize garri production through technology, automation, and better processing techniques.

Why It’s Exciting

The demand for premium garri is growing, particularly in urban markets where quality and convenience are highly valued. By investing in mechanized processing equipment, businesses can significantly improve product consistency, processing speed, and overall yield, providing a valuable solution to meet rising demand. Plus, the modern garri market is no longer just for local consumption - it’s expanding into export markets, particularly in regions like the diaspora where Nigerians and other Africans are eager to buy quality garri.

Market Insight

• Garri processing is a major part of Africa’s cassava value chain, with an estimated 9 million metric tons of garri produced annually across the continent. Despite the massive production, quality control is an ongoing challenge.
• The global market for African food products - especially in the diaspora - has grown significantly with premium garri being increasingly sought after in supermarkets in the U.S., U.K., and Europe.
• Nigeria is the largest producer of garri in the world, and with proper mechanization and better production standards, it has the potential to export more and satisfy growing international demand.

How you can tap into this idea

• Mechanized Garri Processing: Introduce automated machinery for processing garri, including grinders, sifters, and dryers. This will improve the consistency, quality, and speed of production while reducing labor costs.
• Premium Garri Production: Focus on producing odorless, fine-texture garri that is both high-quality and export-ready. Premium garri has significant demand in both local and international markets.
• Packaging and Branding: Create a strong brand identity for premium garri, offering attractive packaging that reflects its quality and authenticity. Highlight the health benefits and sustainability of locally produced garri to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

10. Turning Cassava Waste Into Profits

Cassava is a highly productive crop, but as with many agricultural products, it generates significant waste - especially in the form of peels, stalks, and other byproducts. Historically, much of this waste has been discarded or left unused, but now, there’s an opportunity to transform cassava waste into profitable products, creating both economic and environmental benefits.

Why It’s Exciting

Cassava waste isn’t just garbage - it’s a goldmine waiting to be tapped. By converting waste products into high-value commodities like bioethanol, animal feed, or even biodegradable packaging, you can not only reduce environmental impact but also create new revenue streams. This aligns with the growing demand for sustainable products and renewable resources.

Market Insight

• Bioethanol production is growing, driven by a global push for renewable energy sources. In fact, the global bioethanol market size is projected to grow from $80.47 billion in 2024 to $121.93 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 5.33%. Cassava-based bioethanol is already being used in several countries as an alternative to fossil fuels.
• According to FAO, cassava’s byproducts, especially the peels, can be processed into high-quality animal feed. This is especially relevant in growing livestock and aquaculture sectors, which are under increasing pressure to meet demand for affordable, nutritious feed.

How you can tap into this idea

• Set up a waste processing facility for converting cassava byproducts into valuable products like bioethanol, animal feed, or biodegradable plastics.
• Partner with local farmers to create a supply chain for waste collection, ensuring a steady stream of raw materials.
• Work with environmental certification bodies to get your products certified as sustainable and eco-friendly, which can significantly increase their market appeal.

Conclusion:

Cassava isn’t just another crop - it’s a gateway to innovation, sustainability, and economic transformation. From converting waste into bioethanol to revolutionizing farming with digital tools, the opportunities within the cassava value chain are vast and waiting to be explored.

As I looked deeper into cassava’s potential, I’ve realized that the true magic lies not just in the crop itself but in the creative minds reimagining its possibilities. Entrepreneurs, farmers, and investors alike have the chance to be part of a growing movement to unlock cassava’s hidden power.

But here’s the key: action. Whether you’re interested in creating ready-to-eat cassava snacks, establishing export hubs, or tapping into sustainable packaging markets, now is the time to get started. The world is moving toward healthier diets, renewable energy, and green technologies, and cassava is uniquely positioned to lead the way.

So, where do you see yourself in the cassava story? Will you be the one to innovate, invest, or reimagine what this crop can do? Whatever your vision, remember: cassava isn’t just food - it’s the future.