…as NADF dedicates N2bn pipeline on-lending finance to support cassava production

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE National Agricultural Development Fund, NADF, and Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator, NCIA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to mechanize cassava production across the country.

The Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA) is an initiative focused on transforming Nigeria’s cassava industry through modernization and development, aiming to establish the country as a leading producer of cassava-based food and industrial products.

It’s a collaborative effort anchored by Boston Consulting Group, Lagos Business, agri-entrepreneurs, and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Following the “Cassava Roundtable Discussion” facilitated by Cavista Holdings/Agbeyewa farms Ekogosi, Ekiti State, from the 24th – 25th February 2025, and subsequent exploratory meetings held between NADF and NCIA, the two entities decided to partner on the development of their respective mandates across the Cassava value chain.

Common objectives and opportunities were identified in strengthening the cassava value chain, and the parties agreed to collaborate by sharing expertise, resources, and networks in a manner that supports cassava industry development.

The MoU is a non-binding expression of interest of both parties to partner in developing the Cassava ecosystem in Nigeria.4. The specific areas for the collaboration include: Knowledge & Expertise Sharing: The parties may Collaborate to share technical expertise, knowledge, and information related to cassava production and processing (including pipeline opportunities or investment opportunities with relevant stakeholders).

“The parties may also choose to host joint workshops, conduct training sessions, or exchange research findings to benefit cassava farmers, processors, and other value chain actors (i.e. roundtable events).

Facilitation & Networking: The parties agreed to facilitate introductions and networking opportunities with relevant cassava sector stakeholders (such as processing companies and other technical partners).

Ecosystem Development: The parties may work together towards access to finance (i.e to expand smallholder farmer financing to improve feedstock supply).

The Executive Secretary, NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim said, “To unlock cassava’s true potential, collaborations across the value chain must go beyond events and pilot projects. It must become structural.

“So the real work lies in how we, as financiers, producers, processors, innovators, policymakers, and researchers, co-create enduring partnerships to leverage on each other’s resources so as to reduce inefficiencies, deepen market integration, and build resilient linkages between farms and factories.

“For instance, the NADF has dedicated a pipeline of on-lending finance to the tune of N2billion Naira to support cassava primary production.

“The NADF is working with Cavista Holdings/Agbeeyewa farms and other leading processors to inject additional capital into the sector.

“The NADF is delighted to be signing this MOU with NCIA as part of our modest attempts towards the development of a viable the Cassava Ecosystem in Nigeria.”