Former President of Botswana, His Excellency Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetsi Masisi, has described agricultural development as one of Africa’s most powerful tools for economic diversification, job creation and long-term sustainability.
Masisi made the remarks during a visit to Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti State, Nigeria, where he toured large-scale cassava operations spanning the Ipao and Gede/Iyemero communities.
The visit formed part of his wider engagement in Nigeria, which also included attendance at the traditional conferment of a chieftaincy title on Ghana’s former President, John Dramani Mahama, by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
At Agbeyewa Farms, Masisi was received by Niyi John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, who led him through the farm’s technology-driven production systems.
The former president observed modern mechanisation, processing facilities and value-added cassava by-products designed to reduce waste, improve efficiency and strengthen export potential.
Expressing admiration for the project, Masisi said Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials and begin processing agricultural produce locally to retain value and build resilient economies.
“I am thrilled to see such a visionary approach to agriculture,” he said.
“The entire cassava value chain is being utilised, including the extraction of essential chemicals with export potential. This is transformational for Africa.”
He noted that initiatives like Agbeyewa Farms demonstrate how climate-smart farming, technology and private-sector investment can drive youth employment and sustainable livelihoods across the continent.
Olajide, founder of Agbeyewa Farms, said the visit underscored the importance of government support for agribusiness and young entrepreneurs.
“Our ambition is to position agriculture as a serious business with strong returns,” he said. “We aim to become the world’s largest cassava farm while contributing significantly to global supply.”
He added that youth participation, backed by innovation and policy support, would be critical to Africa’s agricultural transformation.
Source: Independent News
Image Credit: Punch
