President Joe Biden announced Tuesday the inaugural appointees to the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States, including Ham Serunjogi, CEO of the African fintech startup Chipper Cash.
The council of 12 prominent leaders aims to strengthen ties between the U.S. government and African diaspora communities, a key commitment made during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
“I am deeply moved and humbled to share that I have been appointed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, along with a very distinguished group of 11 other leaders, to serve on the inaugural council,” Serunjogi said in a statement after the announcement.
Serunjogi, a Ugandan American entrepreneur, co-founded Chipper Cash in 2018. The mobile payments company has rapidly grown to a valuation of over $2 billion.
As a council member, the 36-year-old will advise President Biden on promoting trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa, building educational and cultural exchanges, and other key issues.
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“Serving in the Biden-Harris administration as a representative of the African Diaspora is an unique opportunity to give back to a country that has been so generous to me by working to strengthen the ties between the United States and African communities here in the US and in Africa,” Serunjogi said.
Other prominent appointees include Rosalind Brewer, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance; Viola Davis, the Oscar-winning actress; Patrick Gaspard, president of the Center for American Progress; and poet Kevin Young.
Rev. Dr. Silvester Beaman, bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will serve as chair.
“This is a responsibility and an honor I will deeply cherish forever,” Serunjogi said.
The African Diaspora Council reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to enhancing partnerships with African nations and communities abroad. Members will provide guidance on economic, social, cultural and other key issues over the next two years.
