Personal life
Sobrinho has investments in telecommunications with YooMee Africa and in the media industry with Newshold Group,[10] as well as in publishing, manufacturing, retail, travel, and renewable energies. In 2015, he invested in exploration drilling projects in Ethiopia and Kenya.[11]
Sobrinho owns Holdimo, a company that, as of August 2017, holds a significant private share in the Portuguese sports club Sporting CP.[12] In a 2018 interview, Sobrinho stated that he and Holdimo intended to remove the then-president of Sporting, Bruno de Carvalho, from office,[13] following the poor performance of the football team and unrest among supporters after an incident at the Academia Sporting training ground on 15 May 2018.[14]
Sobrinho is the founding chairman of the Planet Earth Institute (PEI), based in London.[15] The institute is accredited by the United Nations Environment Programme and its mission is described as promoting the "scientific independence of Africa".[16]
In 2015, Sobrinho was appointed Business Champion for African Science by the World Bank.[17]
Sobrinho has also donated to Africa-focused charities and programs, including the Duke of Edinburgh International Award and the GAVI Alliance.[18][19]
Also in 2015, the Planet Earth Institute launched the Planet Earth Institute Foundation in Mauritius, with Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius, serving as vice-chairman. The foundation awarded scholarships to researchers in Mauritius.[20]
