Maria Mambo Café facts for kids

Maria Mambo Café (born February 6, 1945 – died December 1, 2013) was an important economist and politician from Angola. She was a dedicated member of the Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola – Partido do Trabalho (MPLA), which is a major political party in Angola.

Maria Mambo Café's Early Life and Education

Maria Mambo Café was born in 1945 in Cabinda Province, which is a part of Angola located separately from the main country. She traveled to the Soviet Union to study. In 1968, she earned a degree in economics there.

Joining the Independence Movement

Café was a part of the movement that fought for Angola's independence. She first worked from what is now Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1974, she returned to Angola. She helped negotiate the Alvor Agreement, which was signed on January 15, 1975. This agreement was very important because it led to Angola becoming an independent country. After Angola gained its freedom, she was seen as a loyal member of the MPLA. People believed she could help bring different groups together.

Political Career and Achievements

Maria Mambo Café's political career began in 1977. She was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Internal Trade. She held this position until 1978.

First Woman in Cabinet

In 1982, Café made history. She was appointed Minister of Social Affairs. This made her the first woman in Angola to hold a position in the country's cabinet. A cabinet is a group of top government officials who advise the leader.

Key Roles in Government

In 1986, she took on new responsibilities. She became the Vice Premier and Minister of State for the Economic and Social Sphere. She held these important roles until 1988. During 1986 and 1987, she was even considered one of the "super ministers" because of her significant influence. After some changes in the government, Café became a secretary for youth affairs. She was also elected to the People's Assembly in 1992. The People's Assembly is like a parliament where laws are made.

Later Life and Legacy

Maria Mambo Café passed away on December 1, 2013, in Lisbon, Portugal. She was 68 years old. Her burial took place in Luanda, Angola, on December 6.

Honoring Her Memory

The political leaders of Angola honored her with a special statement. They said that "Comrade Mambo Café 'Tchyina'" had an "impeccable and enviable political journey." They praised her efforts in the fight for freedom and democracy in Angola and around the world. To further honor her, the Maria Mambo Café Airport in northern Cabinda province was named after her.

See also

In Spanish: Maria Mambo Café para niños