Africa Daily How did the woman once described as Africa’s richest woman become so wealthy?
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Dec 17, 2024 
Isabel Dos Santos, the eldest daughter of Angola's former president, is a businesswoman who once boasted a fortune of $2 billion. In this conversation, she discusses the dramatic shift in her life, marked by lawsuits and asset freezes. Isabel defends herself against claims of corruption, arguing they are politically driven. She reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, shaped by a childhood steeped in politics and her struggles with identity. Her experiences challenge perceptions of wealth and power in a complex socio-political landscape.
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Childhood in Military Camps
- Isabel Dos Santos, born in Azerbaijan to a Russian mother, recalls her childhood spent in military camps due to her father's fight for Angolan independence.
- She mentions the racism faced by her parents, a black father and white mother, as a reason for not being born in Angola.
Adjusting to Boarding School
- Dos Santos describes adjusting to boarding school in England, having to quickly learn English and adapt to a new environment.
- She excelled academically, securing a scholarship for A-levels which provided financial relief.
Early Engineering Career
- Dos Santos pursued engineering at King's College, London, and worked in the field after graduation.
- Her initial projects involved telecommunications, including building radio networks, before founding Unitel.