A coalition of companies led by Shine Bridge Global Inc. has sought a partnership with the Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to advance cassava production and processing in the country.
The Chairman and Co-Founder of Shine Bridge Global, a U.S.-based food processing and manufacturing company, disclosed this during a roundtable discussion with NADF officials in Abuja.
He stated that cassava industrialization has the potential to supply local and global markets worth over $7 billion.
Bello explained that the initiative focuses on producing instant cassava flakes mixes and tapioca starch, leveraging food science and technology to create ready-to-eat consumer-packaged goods.
Highlighting the global demand for gluten-free products, he described cassava as a healthier substitute for wheat flour and cereal grains, emphasizing its suitability for functional food ingredients.
He noted that Nigeria currently lags behind global leaders in cassava processing, such as Thailand and Indonesia, and stressed the need for technology-driven innovations to enhance competitiveness.
Bello added that the coalition had engaged Indonesian partners to align with Nigeria’s scale and needs, further stating that improved agricultural productivity and partnerships with local producers are crucial for implementing cassava industrialization sustainably.
Bello emphasized the importance of collaboration with NADF to incubate and scale the transformative cassava project.
He highlighted the coalition’s extensive experience in food science, supply chain management, and global best practices, positioning it to drive social and economic impacts in Nigeria.
A representative of the Andritz Group, Mr. Sander Swartz, explained that advanced food processing technologies would be used to produce functional ingredients and ready-to-eat foods, such as cereal flakes that require minimal preparation.
He noted that successful experiments with local cassava starch had demonstrated the viability of Shine Bridge Global’s technologies.
Nigerian partner Ms. Mosun Abira stated that the new technologies would empower women and local communities by addressing inconsistencies in cassava drying methods.
Indonesian collaborator Mr. Fidiranto Fidiranto showcased ready-to-eat cassava products and expressed readiness to replicate the success achieved in Indonesia in Nigeria, citing similarities between the two countries.
Responding, NADF’s Head of Investments, Mr. Gbemiga Oladele, described the initiative as exciting and assured the coalition that the project would be reviewed at the agency’s management meeting.
The Head of Partnerships and Delivery, Mr. Nasir Ingawa, reiterated NADF’s commitment to agricultural financing and research support, as mandated by its establishment in 2020.
The roundtable concluded with a presentation of plaques and souvenirs to NADF in recognition of its efforts in agricultural development.