Nzinga Mbande

356 - 323 BCE

Crowned 336 BCE

Born in Pella, Macedon

Nzinga Mbande was a prominent queen and ruler of the Ndongo and Matamba kingdoms in present-day Angola during the 17th century. Her accomplishments were remarkable and had a significant impact on her people and their history. Nzinga Mbande successfully resisted Portuguese colonialism and fought against the slave trade, which was prevalent at that time. She displayed exceptional strategic skills and diplomatic prowess, forming alliances with neighboring kingdoms to strengthen her resistance against the Portuguese. Additionally, Nzinga Mbande is known for her efforts in promoting trade, agriculture, and infrastructure development within her kingdoms. She was a strong advocate for the rights of her people, particularly women, and implemented policies to improve their social status. Nzinga Mbande's legacy as a resilient leader and her contributions to the liberation of her people make her an inspiring and influential figure in African history.