Plateau State will host Nigeria’s maiden International Coffee Festival from August 28 to 30, 2025, at Langfield, Little Rayfield, Jos. Organized by Lingzhi Global Nigeria Ltd., the event seeks to reposition coffee from an overlooked crop into a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange.
Addressing journalists, 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 with Plateau. “This is not just a beverage festival. It’s about empowerment, job creation, mindset shift, and national development. Plateau State is taking the lead to inspire others,” she said.
Participants from over 30 countries, including coffee powerhouses such as Brazil, are expected to attend. The three-day program will feature barista competitions, tastings, workshops, cultural exhibitions, and training sessions, giving visitors a full coffee experience from planting to roasting, packaging, branding, and sales. Traditional Plateau dishes paired with locally brewed coffee will also be showcased.
Nanman outlined post-event plans that include establishing 821 coffee shops nationwide, introducing mobile coffee carts, creating coffee education centers, and offering start-up grants to coffee and chocolate entrepreneurs. These initiatives are projected to generate more than 10,000 jobs within three years.
For local farmers, the festival represents renewed hope. Mr. Fei-Ishaku Davou, Chairman of the Plateau State Chapter of the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria, recounted past challenges, including a 2005 incident in which a farmer burned his 10,000-seedling coffee farm due to lack of market access. “We have the farmers and the foundation. Now it’s time to build,” he said.
The Plateau State Government has pledged its support, describing the initiative as a tool for youth empowerment and economic revival. Nanven Barko, Chairman of the local organizing committee, added, “We are not just creating jobs. We are reviving our economy. We are uplifting the naira. Coffee can once again be our pride.”
Organizers say Plateau’s altitude, fertile soil, and favorable climate position it as Nigeria’s coffee capital. With global attention set to turn to Jos in August, the state aims to brew more than coffee — it hopes to brew opportunity, innovation, and national pride.
For vendor bookings and participation, call 07044298455 or 09021412121.
