The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Cassava Compact, led by IITA-CGIAR, has partnered with ENABLE-TAAT to strengthen private sector participation in cassava value chains across Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The collaboration aims to promote the adoption of proven TAAT technologies that enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost agribusiness profitability.
In September 2025, the ENABLE TAAT Compact worked in collaboration with the TAAT Cassava Compact and the Cassava Value Chain Development (CVCD) Project to engage two private sector companies: Agroloop Farms Limited in Nigeria and Bien-être – Bien Vivre SARL in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to explore opportunities for cassava technology transfer and commercialization.
At IITA headquarters in Ibadan, the TAAT team introduced Agroloop Farms Limited to the Cassava Mobile Processing Plant technology. The company, which plans to process cassava from over 2,500 hectares through its own farms and an outgrower scheme, was advised to adopt the mobile processing plant to convert cassava roots into cake before transporting them for further processing.
This innovation is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs and post-harvest losses, while ensuring higher-quality raw materials, better engagement with farmers (outgrowers), and improved business efficiency. Agroloop’s adoption of this technology will also strengthen linkages with smallholder farmers, creating an inclusive model that benefits both processors and producers.
In the DRC, the team engaged Bien-être – Bien Vivre SARL, a company aiming to establish over 100 hectares of cassava plantations for processing into High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) and fufu for local and export markets.
Muganga Benjamin, TAAT Cassava Technology Transfer Officer, introduced the company to several TAAT innovations, including improved and high-yielding cassava varieties, rapid propagation of virus-free planting materials, good agricultural practices, and post-harvest processing technologies.
During both engagements, ENABLE-TAAT Business Development Officer, Idowu Osun, emphasized how the adoption of TAAT cassava technologies can improve efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness within agribusiness enterprises.
“TAAT’s technologies are designed to help agribusinesses reduce costs, minimize post-harvest losses, and achieve sustainable business growth,” he said. “Through these innovations, companies can achieve up to 40% reduction in labor costs, faster turnover on existing facilities, and earlier business expansion compared to local technologies. By working with the private sector, we are ensuring that these innovations reach more farmers and create sustainable impact.”
He further highlighted that the TAAT model enables businesses to transition from traditional systems to technology-driven operations, improving cash flow, and ensuring sustainable growth. “The benefits extend beyond profitability,” he added. “TAAT supports companies with business plan development, de-risking strategies, and facilitation of access to credit and blended finance instruments. This holistic approach ensures agribusinesses are not only viable but scalable and sustainable in the long term.”
The collaboration marks a significant step in TAAT’s broader mission to de-risk agribusiness investment, strengthen linkages with private sector actors, and promote large-scale adoption of proven agricultural technologies across Africa.
Contributed by Jesutofunmi Robinson
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