- The World's Leading Cassava Producer
Driving Investment into Nigeria's Cassava Industrialisation
Catalysing capital, partnerships, and policy to unlock Nigeria’s most strategic crop—transforming subsistence agriculture into industrial-scale value creation.
Strategic Investment Case
Why Cassava?
Cassava is more than just a staple crop; it is a strategic asset for Nigeria’s economic diversification. The versatility of cassava makes it a valuable raw material for numerous industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and textiles. However, much of Nigeria’s cassava is consumed in its basic form as a food source, domestically, leaving significant opportunities for industrial processing, value addition, and export untapped
25% Cheaper
Industrial Sweeteners &
Derivatives
Cassava’s diverse derivatives such as sweeteners and high-quality cassava flour offer cost-effective alternatives to costly imports used in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries (cassava-based sweeteners are 25% cheaper). This dynamic not only meets robust domestic demand but also fuels global opportunities..
Economic Opportunity &
Inclusion
Nigeria’s cassava sector involves millions of small holder farmers, with women playing a vital role in both cultivation and processing. Current opportunities potentially enable businesses to capture higher margins by transforming raw cassava into value-added derivatives, an approach that drives inclusivity and promotes economic empowerment throughout the entire value chain.
Adaptability & Sustainability
Cassava is a resilient, versatile crop, able to grow in less fertile soils, making it adaptable and economically viable. By-products like peels are reused for bioenergy and animal feed, while derivatives such as bio-ethanol offer eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel.-based bio-ethanol production for use in food, beverages, and industrial products.
$5-6B Market
Domestic & Global Demand
Nigeria produces 20% of the world’s cassava, yet only 2% of cassava is processed, compared to global industrial benchmarks of over 30%. The untapped processing market represents a $5-6 billion opportunity
of world cassava
current utilization
than imports
market size
About NCIA
Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator
The Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA) is a strategic
initiative, hosted by Lagos Business School, established to drive investments toward the industrialisation of cassava in Nigeria. We aim to transform cassava processing through investment facilitation and strategic partnerships to create a thriving ecosystem that boosts food security and job creation.
By bridging the gap between businesses, investors, and government stakeholders, the NCIA hopes to drive sustainable growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in cassava industrialisation.
- Investment facilitation and deal structuring
- Supply chain development and outgrower schemes
- Technical capacity building for processors
- Policy advocacy and regulatory reform
How We Work
Our Comprehensive Approach
Industrialisation Pathway Development
Evaluating the market demand, economic potential, and feasibility of scaling cassava derivatives to bridge the supply-demand gap in both quantity and quality.
Investment Facilitation
Attracting local and foreign investors to expand cassava production and enhance processing facilities.
Supply Chain Development
Strengthening farm-to-factory linkages to ensure a steady supply of cassava feedstock for processing industries.
Capacity Building
Empowering farmers with skills, technology, and resources to boost cassava yield and quality.
Policy Advocacy
Collaborating with government bodies to establish a supportive environment for cassava industrialisation.
Impact Measurement
Tracking outcomes and demonstrating value
Value Chain Focus
Industrialisation Pathways
Sweeteners
High fructose syrups for food & beverage
$1.2B
HQCF
High Quality Cassava Flour composite
$800M
Bio-Ethanol
Clean fuel and industrial solvent
$450M
Starch
Industrial and modified starches
$600M
Our Stakeholders
Who We Support
Working with key actors across Nigeria’s cassava ecosystem
Cassava Processors
Funders & Investors
Trusted by Gates Foundation, Lagos Business School, and industry stakeholders
Latest Research
Insights
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Create Your Account Set up your NCIA Virtual Deal Room account First Name * Last...
Cassava’s Next Frontier: How Global Innovation Points to New Industrial Opportunities for Nigeria
Cassava has long been viewed in Nigeria as a subsistence crop, a reliable staple that...
Investment Infrastructure
The NCIA Virtual Deal Room
For Funders
Browse vetted investment opportunities
For Processors
Submit deals & access offtakers
Stakeholders
Market insights & updates
