Nigeria: Chipper Cash CEO Ham Serunjogi and 2 Nigerian Americans Appointed to Joe Biden’s Advisory Council

President Joe Biden has appointed Chipper Cash CEO, Ham Serunjogi, to serve on his Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement. Serunjogi will join eleven other distinguished members, including two Nigerian-Americans, Osagie Imasogie and Chinenye Joy Ogwumike.

In a statement released by the White House on Tuesday, it was revealed that Ham Serunjogi is among the inaugural 12 members of this council. The establishment of the Council was announced as a significant commitment by Vice President Kamala Harris on behalf of the Biden-Harris Administration during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. The primary objective of the Council is to facilitate dialogue between U.S. officials and the African Diaspora.

The statement underscored the vital role played by the African Diaspora in the United States, comprising African Americans and African immigrants, in the 21st-century partnership between the United States and Africa. It emphasized that this community, which includes descendants of enslaved Black Americans, has consistently advocated for the prosperity of Africa and its people, thereby strengthening the special relationship between the United States and Africa.

The President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement

The White House unveiled the composition and selection criteria for the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement. Established in accordance with Executive Order 14089, this Council consists of up to 12 members appointed by the Secretary of State.

The Council is comprised of experts and accomplished individuals from various fields, including government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities. Their collective knowledge and experience are expected to provide valuable guidance to enhance cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the United States and Africa.

Response from Chipper Cash CEO, Ham Serunjogi

In response to his appointment, Ham Serunjogi, who is also the Co-founder of the African fintech giant, expressed his gratitude on his social media platform:

“I am deeply moved and humbled to share that I have been appointed by Secretary of State Blinken, along with a very distinguished group of 11 other leaders, to serve on the Inaugural President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States. 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 emphasized that his role as a representative of the African Diaspora in the Biden-Harris administration presents a unique opportunity to give back to the country and strengthen connections between the United States and African communities, both within the U.S. and across the African continent. He expressed his anticipation of collaborating closely with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Secretary Blinken, emphasizing the lasting impact of this responsibility and honor.

Other Council Members

The White House has disclosed the names of other Council members, including Silvester Scott Beaman from Delaware, who serves as the Chair, and Mimi E. Alemayehou from Washington, D.C., as a Member. The Council also includes Rosalind Brewer from Georgia, Viola Davis from Rhode Island, Helene D. Gayle from Georgia, Patrick Hubert Gaspard from New York, C.D. Glin from Connecticut, Osagie Imasogie from Pennsylvania, Almaz Negash from California, Chinenye Joy Ogwumike from Texas, and Kevin Young from Washington, D.C.

Challenges Ahead

The President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement is expected to face several challenges in fulfilling its mission:

1. Navigating Diverse Perspectives: Balancing the interests and concerns of African American and African immigrant communities is complex, as both groups have unique needs and aspirations. Building unity while addressing these differences is a challenging endeavor.
2. Implementing Policy Recommendations: Transforming well-intentioned recommendations into effective policies and actionable measures can be a demanding task. Close collaboration with policymakers and agencies will be necessary to ensure that the Council’s insights lead to tangible changes in U.S.-Africa relations.
3. Adapting to Global Dynamics: The ever-changing nature of global politics, economics, and international relations poses a challenge. The Council must remain adaptable and responsive to these shifting landscapes, as global developments can significantly impact U.S.-Africa relations.
4. Resource Allocation: Implementing initiatives such as educational exchanges and economic development efforts requires financial and logistical resources. Managing these within budget constraints and competing national priorities will demand prudent management and creative solutions to maximize impact.