CFC and Saudi Agricultural Development Fund Explore Strategic Collaboration
Riyadh, 9 February 2026 – Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), met with the leadership of the Saudi Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) to discuss opportunities for collaboration in agricultural investment, food industries, and rural development. Representing ADF were Acting CEO Mr. Ali Algahtani, Director of External Investment Mr. Meshari Albawardi, and Director of SME Financing Mr. Mustafa Alkhabbaz. The visit marked a significant step in exploring strategic cooperation between the two institutions, aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural development both within the Kingdom and globally.
The meeting commenced with a comprehensive presentation from Mr. Meshari Albawardi, Director of External Investment, outlining the Fund’s mandate, innovative financial products, and its extensive portfolio of development projects supporting the agricultural sector domestically and internationally. Ambassador Belal expressed his deep gratitude for the ADF's impactful work, stating, "The Fund's innovative interventions for vulnerable and needy communities are exemplary. We recognize the critical value of such dedicated support to the agricultural sector."
In response, Ambassador Belal delivered a presentation on CFC’s mandate and global operations, framing the engagement as part of CFC’s "long walk of learning" from leading national funds. He highlighted CFC's ongoing work and the significant build-up of its project pipeline, driven by an explosion in demand for sustainable commodity finance in the post-COVID era. Ambassador Belal emphasized that this new global landscape necessitates closer collaboration and presents a substantial opportunity for CFC and ADF to achieve more by working together.
Following the exchange, the CEO of the Agricultural Development Fund expressed strong interest in exploring mutual opportunities. He assured the CFC delegation that the ADF would examine ways to potentially support CFC's initiatives, including its core fund and its dedicated Technical Assistance Facility, which is critical for building capacity and ensuring project sustainability.
The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to deepen dialogue and identify concrete areas for partnership. Both parties agreed to establish a working-level follow-up to advance the exploration of collaborative opportunities that align with their common goal of strengthening agricultural resilience and transforming rural communities worldwide.
About CFC:
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is an UN-affiliated intergovernmental financial institution that provides financing for projects in commodity value chains in its Member States, with a focus on sustainable development and poverty reduction.
About the ADF:
The Saudi Agricultural Development Fund is a key national institution dedicated to financing and developing the agricultural sector. It provides credit and support services to farmers, agricultural projects, and related activities, contributing significantly to food security, rural development, and the sector's modernization within the Kingdom and beyond.
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[CFC Media Relations Team]
[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]
[Phone: +31 20 575 4949]