Vera Esperança dos Santos Daves de Sousa
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Vera Esperança dos Santos Daves de Sousa manages Angola's national finances as Minister of Finance while balancing her children's needs with the same fiscal responsibility she brings to governmental budgeting. Beyond her economic expertise, we celebrate the financial regulations developed between cabinet meetings and time spent talking with her children, and the way she demonstrates that a country's most valuable assets are its children.
Profile
Vera Esperança dos Santos Daves de Sousa is an economist and Angola’s first female Minister of Finance. She previously served as Secretary of State for Finance and Treasury. Born in Luanda, Vera holds a degree in Economics from the Catholic University of Angola (UCAN). Her career includes roles such as finance technician at Sonangol ESSA, Director of the Products and Research Office at Banco Privado Atlántico, and lecturer of Financial Markets at the Executive MBA promoted by the Catholic Business School Alliance. She also taught Public Finance and Economic Integration at UCAN’s Business School.
From 2014 to 2016, Vera was the Executive Director of the Capital Market Commission and served as its Chairperson from September 2016 to October 2017. She co-authored a book on Public Finance and gained visibility as an economic commentator in various media outlets. Her leadership focuses on reducing the state’s economic presence and diversifying Angola’s oil-dependent economy. In 2020, she was recognized among the 100 Most Influential African Women by Avance Media.
Beyond her professional achievements, Vera is a mother, balancing her demanding career with family life.