Early Life and Education

Isabel Dos Santos was born on April 20, 1973, in Baku, Azerbaijan. She is the eldest daughter of Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who served as the President of Angola from 1979 to 2017. Isabel spent her early years in London, where she attended St. Paul's Girls' School. She later studied electrical engineering at King's College in London.

Rise to Prominence

Isabel Dos Santos began her career in the early 1990s, working for a number of companies in Angola and Portugal. In 1997, she founded Miami Beach Club, a popular beachfront restaurant and nightclub in Luanda. She then went on to establish several other businesses in various industries, including telecommunications, banking, and energy.

Business Ventures

One of Isabel Dos Santos' most notable business ventures is Unitel, Angola's largest mobile phone operator. She also has stakes in several other companies, including Banco BIC and ZAP, a satellite television provider. In addition to her business interests in Angola, Dos Santos has investments in Portugal and other countries.

Controversies

Isabel Dos Santos has faced criticism over the years for her close ties to the Angolan government and allegations of corruption. In 2020, she was charged with embezzlement and money laundering by Angolan authorities. Dos Santos denies any wrongdoing and claims that the charges are politically motivated.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Isabel Dos Santos' net worth is estimated to be around $2 billion. She is one of the wealthiest women in Africa and has been ranked as one of the most powerful women in the world by Forbes magazine.

Personal Life

Isabel Dos Santos is married to Sindika Dokolo, a Congolese art collector and businessman. The couple has three children together and divides their time between Angola and Europe.

Conclusion

Isabel Dos Santos is a prominent figure in the business world, known for her entrepreneurial spirit and successful ventures. Despite facing controversy and legal challenges, she continues to be a major player in Angola's economy and beyond. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark on the world stage.