Carlos Vila Nova Facts for Kids

In this Portuguese name, the first or maternal family name is Vila and the second or paternal family name is Nova.

Quick facts for kids Carlos Vila Nova
Vila Nova in 2015

5th President of São Tomé and Príncipe
Incumbent
Assumed office 2 October 2021
Preceded by	Evaristo Carvalho
Minister of Infrastructure, Natural Resources and the Environment
In office 25 November 2014 – 3 December 2018
President	Manuel Pinto da Costa Evaristo Carvalho
Preceded by	Fernando da Silva Maquengo de Freitas
Succeeded by	Osvaldo Abreu
Minister of Public Works and Natural Resources
In office 15 August 2010 – 12 December 2012
President	Fradique de Menezes Manuel Pinto da Costa
Member of the National Assembly
Incumbent
Assumed office 22 November 2018
Constituency	Água Grande

Personal details
Born	Carlos Manuel Vila Nova (1959-07-27) 27 July 1959 (age 67) Neves, São Tomé and Príncipe, Portugal
Political party	Independent (since 2026)
Spouse	Fátima Vila Nova
Children	2

Carlos Manuel Vila Nova was born on July 27, 1959. He is a politician from São Tomé and Príncipe. He is currently the fifth and serving President of this island nation. He took office on October 2, 2021. Before becoming president, he worked as a minister in different government roles.

Discovering Carlos Vila Nova, President of São Tomé and Príncipe
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Discovering Carlos Vila Nova, President of São Tomé and Príncipe

Carlos Vila Nova has had an interesting journey from studying engineering to leading his country. His story shows how someone can contribute to their nation through various careers.

His Early Life and Education Journey

Carlos Vila Nova was born in Neves. This city is located in the Lembá District on the northern coast of São Tomé Island. He studied telecommunications engineering at the University of Oran in Algeria. He finished his degree in 1985. After returning home, he became the head of the computer department for the government's Statistics Directorate.

From Tourism to National Politics

Carlos Vila Nova started his career in public service. However, he later moved into the tourism industry before becoming a prominent politician.

Starting in the Hotel Industry

In 1988, Vila Nova left his government job. He became a sales manager at Hotel Miramar, which was the only hotel in the country at that time. He was promoted to Director of Hotel Miramar in 1992. In 1997, he became the Director of Hotel Pousada Boa Vista. He also started his own travel agency called Mistral Voyages. Vila Nova worked in the tourism industry until he entered politics in 2010.

Becoming a Government Minister

Carlos Vila Nova began his political career as a minister. He served as the Minister of Public Works and Natural Resources. This was in the government led by Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada from 2010 to 2012. When Trovoada's party, Independent Democratic Action (ADI), regained power in 2014, Vila Nova was appointed again. He became the Minister of Infrastructure, Natural Resources and the Environment. In 2018, Vila Nova was elected to the National Assembly.

Leading the Nation: His Presidency

Carlos Vila Nova's journey to the presidency began with an election. He has since made important decisions for his country.

Becoming President in 2021

Carlos Vila Nova was the candidate for the Independent Democratic Action (ADI) party. He ran in the 2021 São Toméan presidential election. On September 6, 2021, he was announced as the president-elect of São Tomé and Príncipe. He won with 58% of the votes. He defeated Guilherme Posser da Costa from the MLSTP/PSD. The Constitutional Court officially declared him president on September 14, 2021.

Important Government Changes

On January 6, 2025, President Vila Nova made changes to the government leadership. He replaced Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada and his team. This decision led to different opinions. He then chose Ilza Amado Vaz as prime minister, but she later resigned. After that, he appointed Américo Ramos to the role. This choice was not fully supported by all members of the National Assembly.

Re-election in 2026 and Key Initiatives

Vila Nova was re-elected president in the 2026 São Toméan presidential election on July 19, 2026. He won with 55.94% of the votes in the first round. He ran as an independent candidate with support from the MLSTP–PSD. He ran against Nito Abreu, who was supported by ADI. The voter turnout for this election was 41%.

In March 2026, President Vila Nova, along with Prime Minister Américo Ramos and an international business group called Aequatoris, announced a big plan. They intend to create the São Tomé Financial Centre. This project aims to establish a special economic zone. It is designed to attract international service companies to the country.