CFC Deepens Cooperation with the Republic of Djibouti
Brussels, 22 October 2025 – As part of a series of courtesy visits to CFC member states in Brussels, the Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, conducted a visit to H.E. Mr. Aden Mohamed Dileita, Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to the European Union, the Benelux, and Scandinavian countries, on 22 October 2025.
During the meeting, Ambassador Belal provided Ambassador Dileita with a comprehensive overview of the CFC’s current and planned initiatives, highlighting the Fund’s commitment to promoting sustainable development, improving livelihoods, and fostering inclusive growth in commodity-dependent communities. He emphasized the need to bridge the gap between the Global South and North, particularly by supporting smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities who face deep poverty.
A key topic of discussion was the CFC’s proposed “Humanizing the Value Chain” initiative, which seeks to increase incomes for smallholder farmers, provide technical assistance, and develop innovative mechanisms that allow producers to receive fairer value for their commodities. Ambassador Belal stressed that the initiative could be tailored to address specific national priorities, ensuring that member countries can benefit from programs aligned with their development goals.
Ambassador Dileita welcomed the visit and shared detailed insights into Djibouti’s trade and agricultural strategies. He highlighted his country’s interest in establishing dedicated programs for fish and livestock production, reflecting the strategic importance of these sectors for food security and rural development. Additionally, he expressed Djibouti’s commitment to developing sustainable palm oil projects, recognizing the potential of this commodity to generate income, create employment, and contribute to the country’s economic diversification.
Both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between the CFC and the Republic of Djibouti. They agreed to explore ways to implement targeted initiatives that directly benefit smallholders in fish, livestock, and palm oil sectors, while also supporting broader sustainability and poverty reduction objectives.
The meeting concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of their shared commitment to enhancing the welfare of smallholder farmers, promoting sustainable value chains, and leveraging international cooperation to support the growth and development of Djibouti’s commodity sector.
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[CFC Media Relations Team]
[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]
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