A new phase in cassava production is emerging in Africa! Cassava is next to maize as Africa’s most important staple crop, its high nutritional value, starch content and resilience to climate change making it one of the most versatile crops. Governments have finally realized the huge potential of the plant as a driver of rural development. Nigeria is taking the lead to commercialize cassava & adding value to cash in on this “wonder” crops! Other African countries are realizing the potential and working towards monetizing the cassava value chain, with priority to meet its food security needs. "Zambia Breweries Plc is expected to launch cassava clear beer on the local market in the second quarter of 2014. Company managing director Anele Malumo said the product will help promote the agriculture sector by creating ready market for small-scale cassava farmers." - Foodbusinessafrica.com, Dec 2013 "China New Energy (CNE) announced that it has entered into a MOU with Sunbird Bioenergy Africa to develop a flagship biorefinery in Ogun State, with the possibility to extend this initial project to include further biorefineries" - Acucomm.net, Nov 2013 Researchers all over the world are developing new cassava varieties to meet various application needs and increasing yield. The traits include drought and water resistance, pests and diseases resistance, nutrients-rich and high yielding traits. Are these varieties readily available for commercialization yet? Companies who are investing in large scale cassava farm as well as smallholders farm are keen to secure suitable varieties to increase their yield. CMT’s CassavaWorld Africa Summit on 20-21 March 2014 in Lusaka, Zambia brings together leading experts in the cassava value chain to share first hand insight on the opportunities, challenges and experiences in developing the cassava value chain in Africa! | 
