Agriculture · Agro-processing · Manufacturing
Cassava Processing Plant
A modern agro-processing facility converting locally produced cassava into high-value products.
The Cassava Processing Plant will establish a modern agro-processing facility that converts locally produced cassava into high-value industrial and food products. The project aims to strengthen agricultural value chains, increase farmer incomes and promote local manufacturing.
Project Status
Seeking equity partners
Estimated Investment
R1.1 Billion
Jobs Anticipated
500 jobs
Source: DDM One Plan One Budget 2026/27, adopted by Council 29 July 2026.
Development Partner
AVCO Foods — Project White Gold
Target Financial Close
End December 2026
IDC is assessing the project with a view to providing debt financing. Source: ESID Cluster, 27 August 2026.
Phase 1 Land
Secured and under cultivation
Phase 2 Land
Lease application lodged for a further 1 786 hectares
Source: UMDA project status, uMkhanyakude Investment Prospectus 2026/27–2031/32.
Cassava is drought tolerant and suited to the district’s subtropical soils, which makes it resilient to the rainfall variability that limits other crops. Plantation and processing sit inside a single project, so the beneficiation stays in the district.
Products
Strategic Outcomes
- Support emerging farmers.
- Promote agricultural beneficiation.
- Create employment.
- Develop agro-processing industries.
- Expand export opportunities.
Interested in this project?
Get in touch with the Invest uMkhanyakude team to request the full project brief.