Luanda: Angolan Vice-President Esperan§a da Costa was awarded the Peace and Development medal on Thursday for her contribution to the nation’s causes over the 50 years of independence. After receiving her award during the 3rd awards ceremony led by the President of the Republic, Joo Louren§o, the Vice-President expressed her gratitude on her Instagram page for the recognition of her work for the country.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Esperan§a Maria Eduardo Francisco da Costa was born in Luanda on May 3, 1961. She is a biologist, university lecturer, and politician. A graduate in biology from the Agostinho Neto University (UAN), she specialized in botany in Portugal and later obtained a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in plant productivity from the Technical University of Lisbon.
Returning to Angola, she worked as a professor and held management positions at UAN, including vice-rector for University Expansion. In 2010, she became director of the UAN Botany Center, a position she held until 2020. She is currently the Vice-President of Angola, having been elected in the 2022 general elections.