Table of Contents
Key Points
- Quantum Global drives sustainable development and private equity investments.
- Banco Kwanza Invest pioneers Angola’s financial growth and innovation.
- Fábrica de Sabão empowers communities through innovation and inclusion.
Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais, a dynamic entrepreneur with Angolan roots, has built a multifaceted business empire that spans private equity, real estate, innovation hubs, and philanthropy. With his ventures, he aims to fuel Africa’s economic growth while making a lasting social impact.
1. Quantum Global Group
Founded in 2004, Quantum Global Group is an international investment firm specializing in private equity, investment management, and macroeconomic research. It expanded its focus in 2007 by launching Quantum Global Investment Management, dedicated to global liquid investments.
By 2009, the company had diversified into real estate, acquiring landmark properties such as offices on London's Savile Row, New York’s Fifth Avenue, and Paris’ Tour Blanche. Its purchase of the InterContinental Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia, in 2016 solidified its presence in high-value real estate.
Quantum Global is also committed to sustainability, becoming a member of the Forest Stewardship Council in 2015. This alignment with environmental stewardship underscores the company’s dedication to creating value while driving Africa’s development.
2. Banco Kwanza Invest
In 2008, Bastos de Morais established Banco Kwanza Invest, Angola’s first investment bank, reshaping the financial landscape of the country. The bank provides specialized financial services aimed at attracting investment and spurring economic growth.
Banco Kwanza Invest represents a pioneering effort in Angola’s financial sector, helping to unlock opportunities for businesses and investors while supporting national development.
3. Fábrica de Sabão
In 2015, Bastos de Morais repurposed a defunct soap factory in Angola to create Fábrica de Sabão, an innovative hub that combines a co-working space, a maker space, and a business incubator.
This hub provides opportunities for marginalized communities to thrive by supporting sustainable business ventures and empowering local entrepreneurs. The project demonstrates how repurposed industrial spaces can be used to drive social and economic progress.
4. African Innovation Foundation
In 2009, Bastos de Morais founded the African Innovation Foundation (AIF) to champion innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa. Its flagship initiative, the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA), launched in 2011, rewards exceptional African entrepreneurs and helps scale their groundbreaking ideas.
By 2017, the IPA had engaged over 6,000 innovators from 51 countries, highlighting the foundation’s far-reaching impact. To further support innovators, Bastos introduced ZuaHub under the AIF umbrella, a platform connecting African entrepreneurs with investors and resources necessary to bring their ideas to life.
5. African Law Library
In 2013, Bastos de Morais launched the African Law Library (ALL), a digital resource platform aimed at democratizing access to legal texts and governance documents across Africa.
By 2015, the platform had published over 4,500 regional and national court cases, 3,600 legislative acts, and 8,000 secondary sources, making it an indispensable tool for legal professionals, policymakers, and citizens alike.
The African Law Library continues to enhance knowledge sharing and improve legal accessibility across the continent.
6. Kitangana Tennis Project
In 2011, Bastos de Morais founded the Kitangana Tennis Project to support orphans in Angola through sports and personal development. This initiative uses tennis as a vehicle for empowerment, providing children with opportunities for growth and a chance to dream bigger.
The project underscores Bastos’ belief in the transformative power of sports to inspire hope and create opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
A legacy of innovation and purpose
Jean-Claude Bastos de Morais’ entrepreneurial ventures reflect his commitment to combining business innovation with social responsibility. His portfolio is not just about profit—it’s about fostering sustainable growth, empowering communities, and driving Africa’s socioeconomic transformation. From real estate to innovation hubs, his efforts illustrate the profound impact of visionary leadership on a continent brimming with potential.
