Lesotho wishes to see more CFC’s investments
06 March 2025, Amsterdam - H.E. Ms. Mantoetsi Mohatonyane, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Belgium, paid a visit to the CFC Secretariat today, where she was warmly received by Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the CFC. Ambassador Mohatonyane was accompanied by Mr. Mohlomi Nicholas Sello, First Secretary from the Embassy of Lesotho. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties, exploring new avenues for collaboration, and addressing shared global challenges, particularly in the areas of sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
After the exchange of pleasantries, Ambassador Belal provided Ambassador Mohatonyane with an overview of the current and potential future initiatives of the CFC. In light of the present global challenges, Ambassador Belal emphasized the importance of fostering stronger working relationships and partnerships with countries moving forward. He highlighted the organization’s tangible impact in promoting sustainable development and poverty reduction, especially in the face of global crises. Emphasizing the need for collective action, he underscored the importance of partnerships. Ambassador Belal also stressed the importance of further developing the “Humanizing the Value Chains” initiative to maximize benefits for farmers, reduce poverty, and combat hunger.
In addition, Ambassador Belal requested Ambassador Mohatonyane to recommend the CFC’s newly launched Agricultural Commodity Transformation Fund (ACT Fund) to the Lesotho government and private sector entities. The ACT Fund aims to mobilize investments that can drive transformative change in commodity sectors, furthering the goals of sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
Ambassador Mohatonyane expressed her deep appreciation for the CFC’s work, particularly its “excellent contributions” to sustainable development. During the discussion, she emphasized Lesotho’s significant agricultural potential and highlighted the opportunity for substantial growth. She praised the CFC’s innovative initiatives, including the visionary concept of “Humanizing Value Chains,” which has been instrumental in fostering inclusive and equitable growth.
Ambassador Belal also highlighted the significant experience of the Ambassador of Lesotho in core issues regarding agriculture and poverty alleviation, noting that her expertise is a welcome addition to CFC’s quest for united actions against poverty. He urged Ambassador Mohatonyane to be an activist diplomat for SMEs across Africa and beyond, advocating for the development of a viable guarantee scheme for SME-level businesses. Such a scheme would foster symbiotic relationships between SMEs and smallholders, creating a more inclusive and sustainable economic ecosystem.
Ambassador Mohatonyane assured her support for the CFC in conducting necessary research to develop a workable guarantee scheme for SMEs in the global south. Both parties agreed that private sector businesses and importing countries should be encouraged to participate actively in this innovative journey.
The meeting concluded with mutual assurances of support and a commitment to follow up on necessary actions in the coming days.
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