Cross River to Host 2026 International Coffee Festival in Bid to Become Global Hub

Cross River to Host 2026 International Coffee Festival in Bid to Become Global Hub

Cross River State will host the 2026 International Coffee Festival from October 30 to November 1, marking a major push to transform the region into a leading agricultural powerhouse. — ABUJA, Nigeria, Sept. 21, 2026

In a press briefing made available to Shemnews on Monday, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development Johnson Ebokpo unveiled the state's strategic coffee development program. Organized by Lingzi Global Nigeria Ltd. in collaboration with the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria (NACOFTAN), the festival will operate under the theme "Coffee Sustainability."

Key initiatives and details surrounding the festival and the state's broader agricultural plans include: Massive Seedling Distribution: To rapidly expand cultivation, the state government plans to distribute 30 million coffee seedlings to local farmers over the next five years. Geographic Advantage: Cross River boasts approximately 23,000 square kilometers (about 8,880 square miles) of arable land suitable for coffee. Arabica varieties will be cultivated in the highlands, particularly around the Obudu ranch area, while Robusta will be grown across the lowlands.

Global Participation: Lingzi Global CEO Blessing Nanman confirmed that stakeholders from about 30 countries—including Brazil, Indonesia, and Kenya—are expected to attend, sharing technology and experiences across the coffee value chain. Economic Impact: NACOFTAN National President Dr. Hassan Kakara praised the massive investment, noting that planting 30 million seedlings could position Cross River as the top coffee producer not just in West Africa, but across the entire continent.

Ebokpo emphasized that the coffee value chain offers significant economic opportunities beyond basic farming. By encouraging women and young entrepreneurs to process, package, and export their products, the state aims to build a robust alternative economy that complements its existing status as a major cocoa producer.

By Adebayo Gbeja | Shemnews