CFC Engages Norway in Dialogue on CFC 2.0
The Hague, 8 April 2026 – H.E. Ambassador Caroline Kitana Chipeta, Ambassador of Tanzania to the Netherlands and Chair of the CFC Governing Council, and H.E. Mr. J. Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Netherlands and Chair of the CFC Executive Board, led a high-level delegation to the Embassy of Norway in The Hague. Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), joined the delegation.
The delegation met with H.E. Mr. Erling Rimestad, Ambassador of Norway to the Netherlands.
The meeting underscored the growing importance of partnerships, including Norway’s leadership in development cooperation and food security, and explored avenues for scaling up CFC 2.0 initiatives to strengthen commodity value chains and rural livelihoods.
Ambassador Malaya highlighted the Fund’s renewed operational readiness:
"With the new amendment now activated and the CFC Fund’s first close completed, the CFC is ready to scale up. Partnerships with institutions such as Invest International, UK FCDO, CAFI, and BMUKN Germany have laid a strong foundation, and Norway, as a leader in development cooperation, can now play a key role in advancing these efforts."
Ambassador Chipeta emphasized the Fund’s focus on smallholders and rural communities:
"We must remember that the CFC’s mandate is to reach those who often have very little, smallholder farmers and rural producers. Speaking for our partners, there is still much to move forward, and this is where collaboration can make a real difference."
Ambassador Belal reflected on the Fund’s transformation and vision for impact:
"The CFC today is not the old CFC. With a history rooted in addressing farmers’ incomes and building resilient commodity value chains, we are now equipped to scale up with relevant partners such as Norway. Together, we can mobilize practical investments that improve livelihoods and strengthen local economies."
Norway has long been one of the most valued and steadfast partners of the CFC, consistently demonstrating leadership and generosity as one of the Fund’s highest contributors. Its sustained commitment to development cooperation, food security, and sustainable livelihoods has made a tangible difference across many CFC-supported initiatives worldwide.
In light of the growing demand for support from developing countries and the expanding scope of CFC 2.0, the CFC expressed its strong appreciation for Norway’s past contributions and highlighted the importance of renewing and scaling up its voluntary support. Re-engagement at this critical juncture would play a pivotal role in enabling the CFC to accelerate impact, strengthen commodity value chains, and improve the resilience and livelihoods of smallholder farmers and rural communities.
Ambassador Rimestad conveyed his gratitude to the CFC for the detailed briefing, noting that Norway is reviewing its strategic partnerships in key development areas and acknowledging the heightened demand for support in developing countries.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of partnerships in the broader context of sustainable development and commodity sector support.
About the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)
The CFC is a UN-affiliated international financial institution based in Amsterdam, working in over 100 countries to support inclusive economic development through impact investing in commodity value chains.
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[CFC Media Relations Team]
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