This is the list of all the presidents that have served Angola from 1975 till date, which includes their terms in office, and political party:
| President | Term in Office | Political Party |
|---|---|---|
| Agostinho Neto | 1975 - 1979 | People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) |
| José Eduardo dos Santos | 1979 - 2017 | People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) |
| João Lourenço | 2017 - Present | People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) |
READ ALSO: Complete List Of Presidents Of The Dominican Republic
Who Was Angola’s First President?
Agostinho Neto was the first president of Angola. He served from 1975, when Angola became independent until he died in 1979. Neto played a major part in Angola’s fight for independence from Portugal.
He was the leader of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) during the war for independence from 1961 to 1974.
Neto was born in 1922 in a place called Icolo e Bengo in Angola. His father was a Methodist minister, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Neto went to high school in Luanda, the capital city of Angola.
Later, he studied medicine in Portugal. While in Portugal, Neto got involved in activities against colonial rule and was arrested several times by the Portuguese authorities for his political actions.
However, Neto returned to Angola in 1959, where he worked as a doctor and continued to fight for independence. In 1962, he became the president of the MPLA, leading the armed struggle against Portuguese colonial rule.
In 1975, when Angola gained independence, Neto became the first president of the country. Neto established a one-party state based on Marxist-Leninist principles. The MPLA was the only political party allowed.
Also, Angola developed close relationships with the Soviet Union and other communist countries, especially Cuba, which helped Angola with military aid during the civil war against other factions.
A failed coup attempt in 1977 led to the execution of thousands of people thought to be involved in the coup. Despite his controversial rule, Neto is highly respected in Angola and is called the “Father of Modern Angola.”
He is considered a national hero. Besides his political role, Neto was also a poet and published several collections of poetry. Sadly, Neto died in 1979 in Moscow, where he had gone for medical treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Who Is The Current President Of Angola?
The current president of Angola is João Lourenço, and he has been in office since September 26, 2017. Lourenço is a member of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has been the ruling party in Angola since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
He took over the presidency from José Eduardo dos Santos, who had been in power for 38 years, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Lourenço’s time in office has focused on making economic reforms and tackling corruption. Angola’s economy has long depended heavily on oil exports, and Lourenço has worked to diversify it to reduce this dependence.
His government has also aimed to improve the country’s international reputation and attract foreign investment. In December 2021, Lourenço was confirmed as the leader of the MPLA, which reinforced his position both within his party and in the country.
Despite this, the political scene in Angola has been dominated by the MPLA, with little competition from other parties. Lourenço has had to deal with economic difficulties and political opposition.
In recent times, he has addressed issues like public finances and the overall economy, recognizing the need for reforms and acknowledging criticisms from opposition groups.
Angola’s political framework is based on the 2010 Constitution, which limits presidents to two five-year terms. However, these limits do not apply retroactively, so Lourenço can seek re-election in the next elections.
READ ALSO: List Of All Presidents Of Egypt 1953-Present
Who Is The Current Vice President of Angola?
Esperança da Costa is the current Vice President of Angola. She began her role on September 15, 2022, making her the first female vice president in the history of Angola.
Her appointment came after the general elections held in August 2022, where she was chosen as part of President João Lourenço’s government.
She represents the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) party, which has been a major political force in the country.
Esperança da Costa was born on March 20, 1961, in Luanda, the capital of Angola. However, before becoming Vice President, she had a long career in Angolan politics.
She has served as the Minister of Family and Women’s Promotion, where she worked on issues related to women’s rights and family welfare.
The position of Vice President in Angola was created by the 2010 Constitution, which aimed to improve the structure of the executive branch of the government. However, the Vice President serves a five-year term, and this term can be renewed once.