Lagos, Nigeria – In a major development for Africa’s agribusiness and food innovation sector, Cavista Holdings has announced the appointment of Dr. Tony Bello as the Chief Innovation and Commercialization Officer at Matna Foods Company Limited. The move positions Dr. Bello at the forefront of efforts to leverage Africa’s staple crops, particularly cassava, to create functional food ingredients and consumer products capable of feeding millions and boosting the continent’s agricultural economy.
Dr. Bello, a seasoned food scientist and agro-industrial strategist, has spent the past eight years building Shine Bridge Global, Inc., a company dedicated to transforming African crops into scalable, high-value food products. His work has always emphasized execution over ideas, translating research and innovation into systems, partnerships, and commercial outcomes that advance food security and industrial development.
Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Bello described it as a deeply emotional milestone. “This isn’t about a title,” he said, “but about a journey that began quietly years ago. God often prepares us long before the moment of assignment becomes visible.” He highlighted the mentorship and support of key figures, including John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Ron Olajide, CFO, and Dr. Mima Nedelcovych, noting that their guidance has been instrumental in shaping his career and vision.
Cavista Holdings’ diverse portfolio—spanning hospitality, technology, fintech, healthcare, food, and agriculture—offers Dr. Bello a platform to accelerate his mission at scale. His appointment is expected to strengthen the company’s capacity to develop world-class food systems, leveraging Africa’s agricultural potential while creating sustainable commercial models that benefit both producers and consumers.
The strategic focus on cassava is particularly significant. As one of Africa’s most important staple crops, cassava has the potential to drive a new generation of functional foods and consumer products, generate jobs across the agricultural and industrial value chains, and position Africa as a global player in food innovation. By combining scientific research, industrial execution, and commercialization strategies, Dr. Bello aims to ensure that Africa not only feeds itself but also contributes meaningfully to global food security.
Beyond business impact, Dr. Bello’s appointment is a testament to long-term vision and persistence. It underscores the growing importance of agro-industrial leadership in Africa, highlighting how innovation-driven entrepreneurship can intersect with corporate platforms to achieve social, economic, and technological transformation.
As Dr. Bello steps into this role, he is expected to drive initiatives that blend science, technology, and policy advocacy, while forging partnerships that accelerate industrial-scale solutions in the food sector. With a focus on Africa’s cassava economy, the new chapter at Matna Foods is poised to create ripple effects across the continent, from smallholder farmers to consumers, and into global markets.
“Sometimes what appears as a new chapter is simply the continuation of a calling that has been quietly unfolding for years,” Dr. Bello remarked, emphasizing that his journey reflects both personal dedication and a broader vision for Africa’s food future.
