Angola Launches Financial Crime Awareness Campaigns with US Support
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The United States Embassy in Angola has launched a financial crime awareness campaign aimed at promoting digital money use among Angolans and increasing financial inclusion in the country. The “Digital Money is Better” project, implemented in partnership with mobile operator Africell, aims to empower individuals and small businesses to manage their finances digitally.
Project Launch
The project was officially launched on Tuesday at the headquarters of Africell in Luanda, attended by US Ambassador to Angola Tulinabo S. Mushingi and senior government officials. Representatives from international agencies, civil society, the private sector, and local and international media were also present.
Importance of Digital Financial Tools
According to the ambassador, digital financial tools have emerged as powerful enablers of financial inclusion, breaking down barriers and reaching those previously excluded from the formal financial system. However, he noted that this revolution in financial services has not yet fully reached Angola.
Goals of the Project
The “Digital Money is Better” project aims to bridge this gap by empowering communities in Angola to improve their personal finances and access financial services through mobile phones. The project will enable Angolans to:
- Make and receive payments conveniently at their fingertips
- Bridge the gap between individuals and financial services
- Take control of their finances, particularly women who have historically had less access to financial services
Benefits for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
Small and medium-sized businesses will also benefit from the project, which will provide them with digital tools to manage sales and payments, increasing their growth potential.
Funding and Partnership
The US Government has committed $5 million to fund the project through its Agency for International Development (USAID), while Africell has contributed a similar amount. The project is part of the US Government’s contribution to the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment initiative, which aims to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure for low- and middle-income countries.
Ambassador’s Statement
The ambassador expressed confidence that the partnership between the United States, Africell, and the Angolan Government will have a lasting impact and produce sustainable results for the people of Angola.