Presentation of Credential by the Ambassador of Angola. Angola Becomes Pioneer in Honoring Millions of Smallholders and Workers Through Diplomatic Traditions
The Hague, 15 September 2025 – H.E. Ms. Lizeth N. Satumbo Pena, the newly arrived Ambassador of the Republic of Angola, paid her maiden visit to the CFC Secretariat to formally present her credentials to Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC). By doing so, Angola has become the pioneer in setting a new precedent—showing respect to the millions of smallholders and workers in Angola and beyond by upholding long-established diplomatic traditions of engagement with international organizations.
Ambassador Pena was accompanied by Ms. Beatriz André, Counsellor, Mr. Antonio Silas Dos Santos, Second Secretary, and Mr. Meselson Ezequiel S. Pena, Secretary. The visit included a substantive discussion on strengthening collaboration to unlock Angola’s vast agricultural potential while ensuring more equitable benefits for farmers, workers, and producers.
Ambassador Belal welcomed the Ambassador and provided an overview of the CFC’s ongoing activities, underlining both the increasing demand for its services and its field-level impact in reducing poverty, building resilience, and advancing sustainable development across commodity-dependent developing countries.
He also drew attention to the Humanizing Value Chains (HVC) initiative, which addresses persistent inequities in global commodity trade by promoting transparency, fair income distribution, and inclusive growth. Ambassador Belal noted Angola’s readiness to support this initiative, which has recently gained traction with Peru’s endorsement, paving the way for broader international participation.
The two sides exchanged views on the structural challenges of commodity value chains, particularly the reality that farmers often capture only a small fraction of the total value despite growing sectoral profits. Ambassador Pena emphasized that “humanizing the value chain” must remain central to the global agenda so that producers receive a fair reward for their contributions.
Other issues discussed included the retention of Value Added Tax (VAT) for producers, inclusive access to finance—particularly for SMEs disadvantaged by sovereign guarantees that favour large-scale plantations—and the need for greater investment in technical assistance, including trade corridors, infrastructure, and market access.
Ambassador Pena stressed Angola’s commitment to harnessing its arable land for food security and inclusive economic development, calling for stronger international investment and technology transfer. Both parties recognized the opportunities for European innovation to enhance productivity and sustainability in Angola’s agricultural sector.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to deepen cooperation, explore innovative solutions, and ensure that inclusivity, sustainability, and long-term growth remain at the heart of Angola’s agricultural transformation.
About the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)
The CFC is an intergovernmental financial institution established to support commodity-dependent developing countries in diversifying and strengthening their commodity production and trade. Through innovative financing and partnerships, the CFC works to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and producers worldwide.
About Angola
The Republic of Angola is endowed with vast natural resources, including fertile arable land with significant potential for agricultural growth. The country is committed to transforming its agricultural sector as a driver of inclusive economic development and food security.