Jos, Plateau State — Plateau State is set to make history as it hosts Nigeria’s maiden International Coffee Festival from August 28 to 30, 2025, at Langfield, Little Rayfield, Jos. The event, organized by Lingzhi Global Nigeria Ltd., aims to transform coffee from an overlooked crop into a driver of economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange.
Speaking at a press briefing, Blessing Nanman, Chief Executive Officer of Lingzhi Global, described the festival as “a legacy project” that will rotate annually across Nigeria’s 36 states, beginning in Plateau. “This is not just a beverage festival,” Nanman stated. “It’s about empowerment, job creation, mindset shift, and national development. Plateau State is taking the lead to inspire others.”
The three-day event will welcome participants from over 30 countries, including coffee powerhouses such as Brazil, and will feature barista competitions, coffee tastings, workshops, cultural exhibitions, and training sessions. Attendees will experience the entire coffee journey, from planting to roasting, packaging, branding, and sales. Traditional Plateau dishes paired with locally brewed coffee will also be showcased.
Beyond the festivities, Nanman announced ambitious post-event plans, including the establishment of 821 coffee shops nationwide, mobile coffee carts, coffee education centers, and start-up grants for coffee and chocolate entrepreneurs. These initiatives are projected to create over 10,000 jobs within three years.
For Plateau’s coffee farmers, the festival signals a new era. Mr. Fei-Ishaku Davou, Chairman of the Plateau State Chapter of the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria, recalled past struggles, including a 2005 incident where a farmer burned his 10,000-seedling coffee farm due to lack of market access. “We have the farmers and the foundation,” Davou said. “Now it’s time to build.”
The Plateau State Government has pledged support, viewing the initiative as key to youth empowerment and economic revival. Nanven Barko, Chairman of the festival’s local organizing committee, noted, “We are not just creating jobs. We are reviving our economy. We are uplifting the naira. Coffee can once again be our pride.”
Organizers believe Plateau’s unique altitude, fertile soil, and favorable climate make it Nigeria’s coffee capital. With global attention turning to Jos this August, the state is poised to brew more than coffee — it is brewing opportunity, innovation, and a renewed sense of national pride.
For vendor bookings and participation details, visit https://cfin.lingzhiafrica.com/bookings/ or call 07044298455, 09021412121.
