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Ham Serunjogi, the co-founder and CEO of Chipper Cash, a fintech company that facilitates cross-border payments, remittances and wealth management in Africa, has been chosen as one of the inaugural members of the advisory council on African diaspora engagement. This means he will be part of a group of 12 African Americans who will serve on the council until 2025.
The advisory council is made up of exceptional individuals from various fields like government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities. Their main goal is to strengthen the cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the United States and Africa. They also aim to promote trade, investment, and educational exchanges between the two regions.
In a statement, the White House said that “the African Diaspora in the United States, a rich and diverse community of African Americans and African immigrants, is foundational to our 21st century partnership with Africa. This community, which includes descendants of enslaved Black Americans, has long advocated for the prosperity of the African continent and its people and strengthened the unique relationship between the United States and Africa”.
The African diaspora in the USA is a significant demographic that has been shaping the socio-economic and political landscape of the country for centuries. This group, comprising individuals of African descent who have migrated to the USA, has been instrumental in contributing to the nation’s growth and development.
The African diaspora in the USA is a diverse and dynamic group. According to the Migration Policy Institute, there were approximately 4.2 million African immigrants in the USA in 2016, representing a significant increase from 881,300 in 2000. This figure does not include individuals of African descent born in the USA, which further increases the size of the African diaspora.
The African diaspora’s economic contributions extend beyond the borders of the USA. They play a crucial role in supporting the economies of their countries of origin through remittances. According to the World Bank, remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa reached $48 billion in 2019. These funds support families’ livelihoods, contribute to poverty reduction, and stimulate economic growth in African countries.
Despite the African diaspora’s significant contributions, there are concerns that the USA risks falling behind China in engaging with the African diaspora. China has been proactive in fostering ties with Africa and its diaspora, recognizing their potential in contributing to its economic growth and global influence. The USA needs to engage more effectively with the African diaspora to leverage their potential and maintain its global competitiveness thus the formation of this council.
The council was established on December 13, 2022, when President Biden signed an executive order. This order directed the Secretary of State to create the advisory council on African diaspora engagement in the United States.
Ham Serunjogi, who is originally from Uganda, is excited about advising President Biden on various issues. He wants to focus on strengthening relations between Africa and the United States, promoting trade and investment, and building educational exchanges. “I look forward to advising President Biden on a range of issues, including how to strengthen relations between Africa and the United States, promoting trade and investment and building educational exchanges, among other issues,” Serunjogi said.
Ham Serunjogi is not alone on the council. Other amazing individuals are serving alongside him. Some of them include Silvester Scott Beaman as the Chair, Mimi E. Alemayehou, Rosalind Brewer, Viola Davis, Helene D. Gayle, Patrick Hubert Gaspard, C.D. Glin, Osagie Imasogie, Almaz Negash, Chinenye Joy Ogwumike, and Kevin Young.