As the only American-owned mobile network operator in Africa, Africell proudly celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence
Relations between the United States and Africa are deep and wide-ranging. They are linked by history and culture, as well as a shared spirit of creativity, ambition, innovation and enterprise. Africell is helping to write the next chapter of this relationship, in which trade and commerce will be front and center.
“In the United States, we are a relentless cheerleader for the enormous potential of the countries in which we operate, encouraging other American businesses to follow in our footsteps,” says Ziad Dalloul, Africell’s CEO, President and founder.
“In Africa, meanwhile, the connectivity we provide and the jobs we support are a vivid demonstration of the unique benefits that come with American investment, ideas and technology.”
Africell is a case study for successful US private sector investment in Africa’s digital industries. In 2019, for example, the company received a $100 million investment from DFC. This enabled it to expand in existing markets and launch new services in Angola, a regional power with which the US was seeking greater political and economic engagement. Africell’s network in Angola is composed exclusively of secure Western equipment, making it a model for other African operators and governments.
Africell’s support for US interests in Africa spans multiple sectors, including culture and entertainment.
Africell enjoys a pan-African partnership with NBA Africa, one of the most iconic American brands, and collaborates regularly with US institutions (including the State Department and American universities, NGOs and museums) on arts and education projects. In The Gambia and Sierra Leone, Africell premises host ‘American Corners’ – official, US Embassy-backed archives of American literature and informational documents. Lobito Bound – an original Africell documentary about US investment in the ‘Lobito Corridor’ region – is also now streaming on Apple TV and Prime Video, bringing current US-Africa policy to an audience of potentially hundreds of millions.
“Africell’s identity as a US company is underwritten by our office in Washington, D.C.,” continues Ziad Dalloul.
“It is a crucial strategic asset that enhances our ability to champion US interests, helps us to monitor evolving US aims in Africa, and serves as a platform for engagement between US and African stakeholders”.
More images