Turning cassava into opportunity: the story of Yemisi Iranloye
Yemisi Iranloye’s journey into agribusiness reflects determination, vision, and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
As the founder and CEO of Psaltry International, she transformed a common local crop into a thriving industrial business that now supplies major companies such as Nestlé and Unilever.
Cassava, widely grown and consumed across Nigeria, is often associated with everyday foods like garri and fufu. While these traditional uses remain important, the crop holds far greater value beyond the kitchen. It can be processed into products such as starch, ethanol, glucose syrup, and flour, all of which are in demand across different industries. Its gluten free nature also makes it appealing in the growing health and wellness market, where alternatives to wheat flour are increasingly sought after.
Recognising this untapped potential, Iranloye made a bold decision at the age of 40. She left her job to fully commit to building her cassava processing business. This move marked the beginning of a journey that required patience, resilience, and a willingness to take risks. Her efforts soon paid off when Psaltry International secured its first major client, Nestlé Nigeria, setting the stage for future growth.
In an interview Iranloye shared insights into her entrepreneurial path. She spoke about the importance of understanding market needs and aligning business ideas with real demand. Her story also highlights the value of persistence and long term thinking, especially in an industry that requires time to grow.
Beyond her personal success, her work draws attention to the wider opportunities within Nigeria’s agribusiness sector. With the right approach, crops like cassava can drive industrial development, create jobs, and support economic growth. Her experience serves as a reminder that local resources, when properly utilised, can compete on a global scale.
Iranloye’s journey continues to inspire many aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to turn simple ideas into lasting success.