A family dynasty is built with more than money, an old adage purports. It takes wisdom, work ethics, and ambition passed down from generation to generation, to transform the bloodline into a powerful force.

From business to the arts, politics to religion, here are 10 of Africa’s most affluent families.

The dos Santos family – Angola,
From petroleum to mining, banking, real estate, cement, retail, media, and entertainment, there are few areas of trade and investment that the dos Santos Family have not spread their reach to. At the hub is José Eduardo dos Santos, the 75-year-old Angolan President, who has been in power for 37 years. The family also boasts of Isabel dos Santos, usually referred to as Africa’s richest woman. She owns banks, telecom companies, a cement factory, a supermarket chain, restaurants, s, and also holds stakes in various utility firms. Isabel dos Santos has a vast portfolio of investments in Angola, Portugal, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. Other influential names in the family include banker and investor, José Filomeno de Sousa dos Santos, media guru, Welwitschia José dos Santos Pego (Tchizé), and famous creative, José Paulino dos Santos, who is popularly known as ‘Coreon Dú.’ Continue reading Prophet Bushiri on list of 10 Africa’s most affluent families →