Nigeria’s coffee industry aims for $2b in revenue

The Nigeria’s coffee sector are expressing optimism about the industry’s potential to generate $2 billion in revenue over the next two to three years. This positive outlook is fueled by the increasing demand for coffee from developed countries, a trend that industry insiders are eager to leverage.

Data from the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade has revealed that Nigeria’s exports of coffee, tea, mate, and spices amounted to $38.63 million in 2021.

Given this backdrop, industry leaders are strategically positioning themselves to tap into the growing global interest in coffee products. Africa, as a continent, plays a significant role in meeting international demand for coffee, supplying an impressive 80 percent of coffee imports to the United States.

Larry Segun-Lean, President of the West Africa Specialty Coffee Association, shared this ambitious goal during the World Coffee and Tea Expo in Lagos, stating, “In the next 2 to 3 years, by consolidating our cultivation capacity, we aim to generate $2 billion in coffee revenue.” He highlighted the considerable potential of the industry and its readiness to cater to international demand for Nigerian coffee, particularly in markets like Japan.

However, Segun emphasized the importance of stimulating interest in coffee cultivation among Nigerians. He noted that proper information dissemination is critical, as many people tend to confuse coffee with cocoa, and some even consider coffee a byproduct of cocoa. Securing suitable land for coffee cultivation remains a key challenge. He also urged states involved in coffee cultivation to make land readily available to farmers and to address the challenges of clearing farmland, which requires machinery and proper education to enhance production.