Joao Lourenco

Date of Birth: March 5, 1954

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Biography

João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, born on March 5, 1954, is an Angolan politician who has been serving as the President of Angola since September 26, 2017. A member of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), Lourenço previously served as the Minister of Defense from 2014 to 2017 and as Vice-President of the MPLA from 2016 to 2018. Lourenço was born in Lobito, Angola, and grew up during the turbulent period of Angolan history marked by the struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule. He joined the MPLA in 1976 and began his political career shortly after Angola gained independence in 1975. Lourenço holds a degree in Historical Sciences from the Agostinho Neto University and received military training in the Soviet Union. His presidency has been marked by a strong anti-corruption stance, economic reforms aimed at reducing Angola’s dependency on oil, and efforts to improve the nation’s human rights record. Lourenço has been recognized both domestically and internationally for his attempts to bring more transparency and accountability to the Angolan government.

5 Interesting Facts about Joao Lourenco

1. João Lourenço is the first Angolan president to take significant steps toward dismantling the entrenched system of corruption in the country.

2. He played a vital role in Angola’s military during the civil war, which lasted from 1975 to 2002.

3. Lourenço is fluent in Portuguese, Russian, and English.

4. He is considered a reformist leader, focusing on economic diversification beyond oil.

5. Lourenço received the Grand Collar of the Order of Liberty from Portugal in recognition of his efforts to strengthen the ties between Angola and Portugal.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joao Lourenco

1. “Angola needs to diversify its economy and reduce its dependency on oil.”

2. “Fighting corruption is not an option; it is a necessity for the survival of our nation.”

3. “We must create a society where transparency and accountability are the norms, not the exceptions.”

4. “Education and healthcare are the pillars upon which we will build the future of Angola.”

5. “Our history is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Angolan people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his political career, João Lourenço’s net worth has been estimated to be around $10 million, although exact figures are difficult to confirm due to the opaque nature of financial disclosures in Angola.

Children

João Lourenço is married to Ana Afonso Dias Lourenço, a prominent economist and politician. The couple has six children, although detailed information about their children is kept relatively private to protect their identities.