With a career marked by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a global outlook, Ricardo Leitão  Machado has founded and led numerous companies across Europe and Africa, particularly in  Angola, Ghana, Cameroon, and São Tomé and Príncipe. 

Currently, Ricardo is the CEO of several ventures in Portugal, including Termas de Monfortinho,  Águas de Monfortinho (Monwater), Hotel Fonte Santa, and Companhia Agrícola do Vale Feitoso.  His work focuses on sustainable development, agroforestry, hospitality, and the revitalization of  historic assets such as the iconic thermal waters of Monfortinho. 

Previously, he was the founder and CEO of AEnergia (2012–2022), a fully integrated energy project  development company in Angola, with a $2.5 billion strategic plan focused on sustainable  infrastructure across Africa. He also led Angola Climate Change, establishing one of the  continent’s most relevant carbon transaction initiatives, in partnership with the Angolan  government. 

Ricardo's international ventures include the Efrican Foundation and Efrican - International  Association, as well as Ecodighana, a successful retail operation in Ghana, and Lagom2020, a  real estate and NPL company in Portugal. 

With an educational background in engineering and business management, Ricardo holds an  Advanced Management Programme from INSEAD Singapore, a Leadership Certification from  Harvard Kennedy School, and executive degrees from ISCTE, IPAM, and ESAS. 

Beyond his executive career, Ricardo is a dedicated father of four, a committed environmentalist,  and an active supporter of social responsibility and forest protection initiatives.