Lingzhi Global and NACOFTAN announce the 2026 Coffee Festival in Calabar
The next chapter of CFIN brings coffee, enterprise and community together in Cross River, with dates announced for 30 October to 1 November 2026.
A new chapter in Cross River
Calabar is the announced destination for the second Coffee Festival International Nigeria, scheduled for 30 October to 1 November 2026. Reporting from Matthew Tegha Blog and 4WARDWEGO describes a collaboration between Lingzhi Global Nigeria Ltd. and the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria, NACOFTAN.
The announcement followed a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja. The reports identify Lingzhi Global chief executive Mrs. Blessing Nanman, Cross River agriculture commissioner Hon. Johnson Ebokpo and NACOFTAN president Dr. Hassan Usman among the voices discussing the festival. Their remarks place coffee enterprise, practical learning and international exchange at the centre of the gathering.
Coffee with a wider purpose
The reported theme is “Coffee Sustainability and Empowerment: Focusing on Women and Youth Development.” It brings attention to the people who can build livelihoods around coffee, alongside the product itself. Coverage describes interest in opportunities across cultivation, processing, packaging, marketing and export.
For someone visiting CFIN for the first time, that is an invitation to look beyond the tasting table. A conversation with a producer can lead to questions about sourcing. Meeting a retailer can help an aspiring business owner understand customers. Watching a skilled practitioner can reveal a craft worth learning. These are useful starting points, even for visitors who do not yet have a coffee business.
Build your own festival experience
Start with the part of coffee that interests you most. If you enjoy making drinks, explore the Barista Competition page. If your interest is culture and representation, read about Miss Coffee Festival. Visitors who want to connect with the wider community can browse the speakers, participating countries and sponsor directory before deciding which conversations to pursue.
A little preparation makes an event easier to navigate. Write down two or three questions you want answered, keep your contact information ready to share, and leave room for unexpected conversations. The goal does not have to be a deal on the day; a useful introduction or a clearer next step can also make attendance worthwhile.
Plan your visit
The announced host city is Calabar, Nigeria. Use the festival's official contact channel to confirm the venue, session timings and any arrangements you need before making a booking. The three-day program overview on this website introduces the experience; specific appointments and competition requirements should be checked with the team.
Ticket enquiries, applications and payment questions go to WhatsApp on 0704 781 7957. Website forms prepare a draft with your details. Tap Send in WhatsApp to submit it, and wait for the festival team to provide the next steps and confirm any payment or registration.
