CFC Expresses Profound Gratitude to Angola and Ambassador Encoge, Looks Ahead to a Transformative Africa
Amsterdam, 13 May 2025 – The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) extends its deepest appreciation to the Republic of Angola for its unwavering partnership and steadfast commitment to amplifying the voices of smallholder farmers on the global stage. Angola’s attentive engagement and proactive collaboration have been invaluable in advancing CFC’s mission of sustainable development and inclusive growth.
A special tribute is reserved for Her Excellency Ambassador Maria I. Resende Encoge, whose exemplary leadership as Angola’s Governor to the CFC and Dean of African Countries in The Hague has been instrumental in elevating the concerns of smallholders in critical forums. As she prepares to assume her new role in Germany, the CFC family bids her farewell with both pride and reluctance—pride in her achievements, yet reluctance to see such a dedicated advocate depart. However, we take solace in knowing she will remain connected to the CFC as a key representative of one of our most vital member states.
During her farewell courtesy visit to the CFC Secretariat, Managing Director Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal highlighted the organization’s expanding role in addressing global challenges, from poverty reduction to sustainable commodity development. He emphasized the urgency of collective action, urging strengthened partnerships to bridge the Global South-North divide. In this spirit, he called on Angola to deepen its engagement with the CFC—through renewed voluntary contributions, encashment of promissory notes, and advocacy for the newly launched Agricultural Commodity Transformation (ACT) Fund, designed to drive catalytic investments in sustainable agriculture.
Ambassador Encoge reaffirmed Angola’s solidarity with the CFC’s mission, particularly its focus on equitable farm-gate prices for smallholders. She expressed gratitude for the support received during her tenure and pledged to remain a steadfast ally.
A New Africa in the Making
As Africa stands at the threshold of a transformative era—fueled by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and a burgeoning youth population—the CFC is redoubling efforts to empower smallholders and agri-entrepreneurs. Through initiatives like Humanizing Value Chains and the ACT Fund, we are laying the groundwork for an Africa defined by resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity. Angola’s continued partnership will be pivotal in realizing this vision.
The CFC looks forward to sustaining this momentum with Ambassador Encoge’s successor, confident that Angola’s legacy of leadership will endure. Together, we will forge a future where no farmer is left behind.
For media inquiries, please contact:
[CFC Media Relations Team]
[Email: managing.director@common-fund.org]
[Phone: +31 20 575 4949]