At a high-profile summit on December 4, U.S. President Joe Biden joined African leaders, including President João Lourenço of Angola, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, and Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango of Tanzania, to discuss advancements in the Lobito Corridor initiative.
This multilateral project aims to enhance connectivity between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans through investments in infrastructure, transportation, and digital transformation across Angola, DRC, Zambia, and Tanzania.
During the summit, Africell CEO Ziad Dalloul, alongside Afrimoney Angola Director Kátia da Conceição, delivered an insightful presentation on Africell’s contributions to the Lobito Corridor.
The company emphasized its commitment to enhancing digital connectivity and promoting financial inclusion through mobile and fintech solutions.
“Africell is proud to be the digital partner for the Lobito Corridor,” said Dalloul. “As the only U.S.-owned mobile network operator in Africa, we have worked closely with the U.S. government and private sector stakeholders to enhance digital infrastructure and services along this critical corridor.”
Africell’s collaboration with USAID was highlighted as a key component of its regional efforts. The initiative trains agricultural workers in Angola to utilize mobile money technology for improved financial security. Additionally, the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) has pledged $100 million to support Africell’s network expansion in Angola and DRC, potentially bringing millions of people under 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage.
Africell’s work aligns with the U.S. government’s Digital Transformation with Africa initiative, which focuses on building secure internet infrastructure across the continent. Africell’s network in Angola, built exclusively with trusted Western technology, is a testament to this commitment.
Kátia da Conceição emphasized the importance of Afrimoney in fostering financial inclusion. “Afrimoney empowers millions of Angolan and Congolese consumers with safe, efficient tools for saving and earning money. This financial empowerment drives economic growth and aligns with the broader goals of the Lobito Corridor project,” she said.
Beyond infrastructure, Africell is also raising awareness of the Corridor’s significance through cultural initiatives. In mid-2024, the company produced Lobito Bound, an adventure documentary following British explorer Dwayne Fields on a journey across the Corridor. The film, set for release in early 2025, underscores the human impact and transformative potential of this vital project.
Africell’s investments and initiatives exemplify how digital and financial innovation can play a pivotal role in economic development and cross-border connectivity. The Lobito Corridor project continues to gain momentum as it integrates technology and infrastructure to unlock new opportunities for millions across Africa.You said:Provide a suitable news headline for this ChatGPT said:ChatGPTU.S. and African Leaders Highlight Africell’s Role in Advancing Digital Connectivity and Financial Inclusion in the Lobito CorridorYou said:I want the name of US president on the headline ChatGPT said:ChatGPTPresident Biden and African Leaders Acknowledge Africell’s Efforts in Connecting the Lobito Corridor
