Njinga of Ndongo

Queen Njinga of Ndongo (also known as Queen Ana Nzinga) was a powerful 17th-century leader in what is now Angola. She famously resisted Portuguese colonization and the slave trade, leading her people with intelligence, diplomacy, and military strength. Njinga skillfully navigated alliances, fought off European and regional enemies, and sought to maintain her nation’s independence during a time of intense conflict. Her leadership made her a symbol of resistance and empowerment, and she remains celebrated for her strategic acumen and commitment to her people's sovereignty.