Francis John Sesay, CEO of Cassavity SL Limited

Turning Cassava into Flour, Turning Dreams into Opportunity

Cassava flour is reshaping Sierra Leone’s food future — reducing reliance on imported wheat, creating jobs, and adding value for local farmers. Across the country, entrepreneurs supported by the ILO’s Opportunity Salone Project are turning this humble crop into a driver of inclusive growth and food security.

One of them is Francis John Sesay, CEO of Cassavity SL Limited, who is proving that with innovation, training, and determination, cassava can fuel both livelihoods and national resilience.

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Meet Francis J. Sesay

For years, smallholder farmers harvested cassava with little access to markets, often struggling to earn enough. Today, thanks to the vision of Francis John Sesay, CEO of Cassavity SL Limited, and the support of the ILO’s Opportunity Salone Project, this story is changing.

Despite being a university graduate, Francis saw the need to invest in agriculture and strengthen the cassava value chain. His goal was to reduce flour importation, promote healthier food options, and create local jobs. In 2023, he founded Cassavity to turn cassava into high-quality flour and opportunity for his community.

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The Growth Journey

At first, Cassavity struggled with limited equipment, no training, and just seven staff, processing only five bags of cassava per week. Through the ILO Opportunity Salone Project, Cassavity secured land, built a modern processing center, and obtained key cassava machines, including a grater, presser, miller, and shifter. Francis and his staff participated in SIYB and IYB trainings, which equipped them with financial, planning, and operational skills. Today, Cassavity produces high-quality cassava flour every 2–3 days and provides reliable markets for local farmers.

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Expanding Horizons

On 24 August 2025, Francis joined 20 finalists on a 10-day KOICA- and ITC- sponsored trip to South Korea for the Big Five Innovation Challenge. There, he explored Korea’s innovation ecosystem, learning how digital tools can boost efficiency, market access, and business growth, and emphasized the importance of sustainable financing for long-term resilience and scaling.

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Empowerment, Development, and Demand

Cassavity now employs 30 staff (18 women and 12 men), offering both permanent and casual jobs. The company’s growth has increased cassava demand, providing nearby farmers with steady markets and higher incomes. Each bag of flour reduces post-harvest losses, cuts food imports, and strengthens local resilience.

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“I leave with a clearer vision to apply these lessons for growth, sustainability, and positive community impact from the Korea International Cooperation Agency 10 days trip , ” Francis John Sesay, CEO of Cassavity SL Limited“I leave with a clearer vision to apply these lessons for growth, sustainability, and positive community impact from the Korea International Cooperation Agency 10 days trip , ” Francis John Sesay, CEO of Cassavity SL Limited

Creating Lasting Impact

Cassavity’s journey shows how determination and support can transform a small cassava project into a model agribusiness that empowers farmers, creates jobs, and strengthens Sierra Leone’s food security.

By the Numbers

• Production: 5 bags per week → steady HQCF production every 2–3 days

• Jobs: 7 → 30 (18 women, 12 men)

• Support received: Land, cassava grater, presser, miller, shifter, business training

• Markets: Local farmers, Bombali District

• Partnerships: Future B2B collaborations planned to strengthen the cassava value chain