Isabel dos Santos: Angolan Businesswoman and Chairwoman of Sonangol
Isabel dos Santos is a prominent Angolan businesswoman and Chairwoman of the state-owned oil company, Sonangol. She is one of the most recognizable African figures in the business world and has come to represent the entrepreneurial spirit of the continent. Dos Santos is also the oldest daughter of former President of Angola, José Eduardo dos Santos who is also her mentor and adviser. With her outstanding achievements, Isabel dos Santos has been named by Forbes as the richest black woman in the world and as one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in Africa.
Background and Family
Isabel dos Santos was born on April 20, 1973 in the city of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan SSR to José Eduardo dos Santos and his wife, Tatiana Kukanova. She attended high school in the United Kingdom and went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering from King’s College London. After graduating, Dos Santos returned to Angola, where she began to build her successful business career.
Professional Career
Isabel dos Santos is one of the most successful businesspeople in Angola. Her success is rooted in her decision to aggressively pursue and leverage investments in several industries. She has invested in numerous industries, including oil and gas, finance, communications, health, retail, technology and real estate. Notable investments include:
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Unitel: Unitel is the largest telecommunications company in Angola and is majority-owned by Isabel dos Santos. She has been the company’s Chair since 2013 and has been responsible for driving its impressive growth over the past decade.
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NOS Angola: NOS Angola is a well-known infrastructure firm in Angola and is also majority-owned by Isabel dos Santos.
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Sonangol: Sonangol is Angola’s state-owned oil and gas company and Isabel dos Santos is the Chair of its Board of Directors. She was appointed to the position in 2016 and has since been steering the company through a period of growth and modernization.
4.BFA Bank: BFA Bank is one of the largest banks in Angola and is also majority-owned by Isabel dos Santos. She has been the bank’s Chair since 2013 and has been responsible for driving its impressive growth over the past several years.
- Allaquez: Allaquez is a prestigious real estate development firm based in Angola. Isabel dos Santos is a majority shareholder and also serves as the firm’s Chair of the Board of Directors.
Accolades and Recognition
Isabel dos Santos has been recognized for her outstanding achievements as an entrepreneur and businesswoman. She has won numerous awards, including the 2017 Forbes Africa Businessperson of the Year award and the 2018 African Businesswoman of the Year award. She has also been honored with the International Women’s Forum Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions to Global Women’s Leadership and the African Union Prize for Women’s Rights.
Philanthropy and Activism
Isabel dos Santos is also an advocate for women’s rights, education, and poverty reduction in Angola. She established a charitable foundation called the “Fundação Isabel Dos Santos” in 2008 to support initiatives in these areas. The foundation provides grants to entrepreneurs and invests in programs to promote education and access to healthcare for vulnerable populations in Angola.
Isabel dos Santos is an Angolan businesswoman and entrepreneur who has built a global empire through her investments in various industries. She has leveraged her considerable business acumen to become a successful leader in the African business world and is well-known for her generous philanthropic work. With her success and influential status, Isabel dos Santos has become an important role model for entrepreneurs and businesswomen around the world.
