During the recent U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, of which Africell was emerald sponsor and official telecommunications partner, Africell’s CEO, president and founder Ziad Dalloul spoke to CNBC Africa about Africell’s impact since launching in Angola and the benefits of deepening ties between Africa and the United States.
1. Why did Africell sponsor the 2025 US-Africa Business Summit?
Africell’s mission is to support economic growth and digital progress in Africa. The Summit shares these goals, which is why we want to sponsor it.
2. How is Africell driving digital inclusion in Africa?
We’re closing the digital divide by building fast networks and offering innovative services like mobile money. We give our customers valuable digital skills and access through affordable and reliable internet.
3. What has been the impact of Africell launching 5G in Angola? Bringing 5G to Angola was a big step. It sped up tech use, encouraged innovation in sectors like healthcare and farming, and is helping to position Angola as an investment destination.
4. How does Africell support communities beyond telecom services? We go beyond telecoms. The Africell Impact Foundation invests in many arts, education, healthcare, and community projects. We support small businesses, run training programs, and celebrate African culture and heritage.
5. How is Africell supporting digital trade through AfCFTA?
We provide the digital infrastructure needed for cross-border trade, including in the Lobito Corridor region. With fast, reliable internet, we enable secure transactions across Africa.
6. What innovations is Africell planning next?
Among other things, we’re investing in AI tools for customers, including the mobile-based “AfriGPT” service which is tailored for African consumers and which is being developed in coordination with Oxford University.
7. What does the future look like for Africell and its customers?
The future is bright. We are growing fast, recruiting more colleagues, focusing relentlessly on affordability, and keeping the finger on the pulse of our their communities. As the only US-owned mobile network operator in Africa, Africell is uniquely placed to benefit from deepening ties between the continent and the United States.