Lawyer, Political leader, and Advocate for women’s leadership in Africa [São Tomé and Príncipe]

Edite Ten Jua is a distinguished lawyer, political leader, and advocate for women’s leadership in Africa. With over 25 years of experience in law and public service, she has held several high-level positions in the government of São Tomé and Príncipe, including Minister of Justice, Public Administration and Parliamentary Affairs as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Communities, and Vice-President of the Constitutional Court. Her career reflects a deep commitment to justice, democratic governance, and institutional reform.

In addition to her governmental roles, Edite is a seasoned expert in the oil and gas sector, where she has spent more than a decade advising on legal and regulatory frameworks. Her work bridges the private and public sectors, bringing a unique perspective to policy development and strategic leadership. Edite is the founder and president of the El-Shaddai Foundation which works with social communities, and the Edite Ten Jua Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering youth and women through mentorship, leadership training, and sustainable development initiatives. The Foundation focuses on fostering inclusive representation and equipping future generations with the tools to lead across sectors in Africa.

Known for her integrity, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to equity, Edite Ten Jua continues to champion women’s inclusion in decision-making spaces. As an Amujae Leader, she brings her vision, voice, and experience to the mission of transforming leadership across the continent while creating more resilient and just societies.