28th CFC Call for Proposals: Empowering Smallholders for Resilient Value Chains

Germany
Smallholder Farmers

The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) has launched its 28th Call for Proposals, targeting transformative projects that empower smallholder farmers, promote regenerative agriculture, and foster inclusive value chains in developing countries. With a focus on aligning commercial viability with environmental sustainability and social equity, the CFC supports initiatives that connect farmers to global markets, enhance local value addition, and build resilience through agtech, financial access, and women-led enterprises. Priority goes to projects in the Congo Basin region (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo) and those from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This opportunity suits SMEs, cooperatives, social enterprises, NGOs, and public/private entities ready to drive high-impact change for smallholders.

Eligible Countries

Open to applicants based in or operating within any of the CFC's 101 member countries. Full list: CFC Member States. South Africa is included as a member.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 1 April 2026

Funding Amounts

  • Regular projects: Up to USD 1.5 million (via loans or debt instruments).
  • Fast-Track procedure: Up to USD 300,000.
    Flexible amounts possible for high-impact projects with strong financial plans.

Eligibility Criteria

  • SMEs, cooperatives, social enterprises, NGOs, or public/private entities with active operations in a CFC member country.
  • Minimum 3 years of operational history with proven relevant experience and capacity.
  • Projects must enhance smallholder livelihoods, be financially viable, and align with priority areas:
    • Trade finance connecting smallholders to global markets.
    • Regenerative agriculture and biodiversity protection.
    • Low-impact local value addition.
    • Agtech/digital tools for sustainable value chains.
    • Improved financial access for smallholders.
    • Women entrepreneurship with a gender lens.
  • Application forms and financial statements (Balance Sheet/Income Statement) required; English only for main submissions.
  • Downloads: Application Form (PDF), Word; General Balance Sheet (Excel); Financial Institutions version also available.

Contact Details

For queries: opencall@common-fund.org

Click HERE to visit the official website. 

Closing date
Industry
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
​Other service activities
Website link
https://www.common-fund.org/call-for-proposals

Brochures and other documents

28thapplicationformenglish_2026.pdf320.95 KB
mfi_28thbalancesheet-incomestatement-and-impact-projections-en_eefinal.xlsx91.65 KB
28th-balancesheetincomestatementandimpactprojectionsenglish_2026.xlsx94.16 KB