I have spent decades working across sectors in Africa, being involved in a wide range of interests from start-up technology firms to major infrastructure projects and investments.

I began my career in Banco Espirito Santo Angola (BESA), working up to become the CEO and Chairman of the bank, including an enjoyable decade at the helm during the fast rise of the Angolan economy. During my time, BESA grew its net income from $3.2m to approximately $339m and increased loans from $21m to $5bn, and as such were multiple winners of the Best Bank in Angola Awards from both World Finance and Global Finance Magazine.

I have stayed heavily involved in the financial sector, and in 2013 joined emerging Banco Valor, Angola’s fastest growing and – in my view – most ambitious bank in the region. The team in place now have a great plan to support entrepreneurs in Angola and to aid investment across the exciting frontier markets.

My passion for technology has led me to numerous business investments, including in the growing YooMee Africa group (formerly 4G Africa), who are working to bring cutting-edge broadband and internet access to the continent, and in particular linking with educational institutes and university campuses. Moreover, I am now working with Babel Publishing on a number of projects aimed to get high-class learning materials and literature distributed across Africa.

I am also heavily involved in the financing of large infrastructure projects across Africa, from retail and residential properties to a major new ports and marinas, all of which will create the right environment for Africa to prosper and thrive.

My business philosophy is simple: we must always seek to invest in new ideas and innovation. This is not just what has brought me my greatest success but also my greatest pleasure, seeing ideas come to life and change society for the better. While there are many down sides to spending as much time as I do travelling and away from family, I am always kept excited and energetic by seeing the dynamic young generations come forward with their ideas and we must always seek to support them in any way we can.