Maria das Neves was elected the first woman Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, a position which she held from 2002 to 2004.

Maria das Neves was born in 1958 and received education as an economist in Cuba with a specialization in public finances. Before becoming head of government, Maria das Neves worked as a civil servant in the Ministry of Finance, in the World Bank and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Prior to serving as Prime Minister, she held a number of prominent government positions. Maria das Neves served as Minister of Economics from 1999 to 2001, as Minister of Finance from 2001 to 2002,  and as Minister of Trade, Industry, and Tourism in 2002.