The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is inviting proposals for high-impact projects that enhance smallholder livelihoods while promoting environmental sustainability.
The fund supports initiatives that improve the commercial viability of social and environmental sustainability efforts—helping smallholders access high-value markets, adopt eco-friendly practices, add local value, and farm in ways that protect biodiversity.
Objectives
CFC aims to build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable value chains by:
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Empowering people through technology
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Promoting healthy ecosystems alongside economic growth
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Positioning smallholders as active partners in progress
Priority Areas
General Focus Areas:
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Trade finance to connect smallholders with global markets
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Regenerative agriculture and biodiversity protection
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Local value addition with low environmental impact
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Agtech and digital tools for inclusive, transparent value chains
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Financial access for smallholder farmers
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Women-led enterprises and gender-focused solutions
Additional Focus (27th Call for Proposals):
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Projects focused on forest conservation in the Congo Basin (Cameroon, CAR, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo)
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Small-ticket, high-impact projects (up to USD 500,000) in:
Senegal, Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia, Mozambique, DRC, and Zimbabwe
Funding and Benefits
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Up to USD 1.5 million for regular projects
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Up to USD 300,000 for Fast-Track applications
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Funding provided as loans or other debt instruments
Eligibility
Applicants must:
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Be SMEs, cooperatives, social enterprises, NGOs, or public/private entities
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Operate in CFC member countries
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Have a minimum of 3 years’ operational history
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Submit financially viable project proposals
Priority will be given to proposals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
How to Apply
Click this link to submit your application.
Deadline: September 29, 2025
The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is seeking proposals for projects that improve smallholder livelihoods and promote environmental sustainability. The fund aims to enhance social and environmental sustainability efforts by supporting projects that allow smallholders to access high-value markets, adopt sustainable agricultural practices, and protect biodiversity. CFC's objectives include empowering individuals through technology, promoting healthy ecosystems alongside economic growth, and positioning smallholders as active partners in progress.
Priority areas include trade finance, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity protection, local value addition with a low environmental impact, Agtech, and digital tools, financial access for smallholders, and gender-focused solutions. Additional focus areas for the 27th call for proposals include forest conservation projects in the Congo Basin and small-ticket, high-impact projects in specific African countries. Funding is available up to USD 1.5 million for regular projects and USD 300,000 for fast-track applications, provided as loans or other debt instruments.
Eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must be SMEs, cooperatives, or other entities operating in CFC member countries with a minimum of three years of operational history, and they must present financially viable project proposals. Priority will be given to initiatives from Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States. Applications are due by September 29, 2025, and can be submitted through the specified CFC link.
