List of Presidents of Angola: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Angola from 1975 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Angola, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Angola: João Lourenço (in office since 2017).

Presidents of Angola in order, with years in office

Agostinho Neto

Served: 1975–1979

Leader of the MPLA and Angola's first president from independence on 11 November 1975; died in office in September 1979.

José Eduardo dos Santos

Served: 1979–2017

Succeeded Neto and led for 38 years; Angola became a multiparty state during his rule and he left office in September 2017.

João Lourenço

Served: 2017–present

Took office on 26 September 2017 and was re-elected in 2022; he has focused on economic reform and anti-corruption efforts.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Angola

Who is the current president of Angola?

The current head of state of Angola is João Lourenço, in office since 2017.

Who were the previous presidents of Angola?

The presidents and heads of state of Angola listed on this page, in order, are: Agostinho Neto, José Eduardo dos Santos, João Lourenço.

Who was the first president of Angola?

Agostinho Neto was the first president of Angola, in office 1975–1979.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of Angola and President of Angola; Wikidata-based lists (checked Nov 2026). Angola has had three presidents since 1975; a nine-day acting spell in 1979 is not listed because sources conflict.. Last reviewed November 2026.

Presidents of other Africa countries