Former President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetsi Masisi, has underscored the importance of agricultural development as a key driver of economic diversification in Africa, saying the continent has the capacity to meet global demand for cassava with the right investments and policies.

Masisi made the remarks during a visit to Agbeyewa Farms in the Ipao and Gede/Iyemero areas of Ekiti State, where he toured large-scale cassava farming and processing facilities operated by the agribusiness firm.

The visit formed part of his activities in Nigeria, which also included attending the traditional conferment of a chieftaincy title on Ghana’s former President, John Dramani Mahama, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II. Mahama was honoured with the title Atayeto Oodua of the Source on Monday, December 15, 2025.

At Agbeyewa Farms, Masisi was received by the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr. Niyi John Olajide, who led him on a tour of the cassava production and processing facilities. The former president observed the use of modern farming technologies and the processing of cassava into various by-products.

Masisi commended the scale and level of innovation at the farm, noting that the approach demonstrated how Africa could move beyond the export of raw materials to value-added production.

He said Africa possesses the resources and capacity to serve global markets, stressing that local processing and supportive government policies are critical to building competitive industries across the continent.

In his remarks, Olajide thanked the former president for the visit and reiterated the need for sustained government support for agriculture, particularly for youth participation and private sector investment.

He said Agbeyewa Farms aims to expand cassava production and processing capacity, positioning itself as a major player in the global cassava value chain, while treating agriculture as a viable business capable of generating strong economic returns.

Both parties emphasised that increased collaboration between governments, private investors and young entrepreneurs would be essential to unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential and strengthening the continent’s role in global food and industrial supply chains.