Nzinga allied with the Dutch after they captured Luanda on 26 August 1641.
On 26 August 1641, the Dutch West India Company captured Luanda from the Portuguese, marking a significant shift in the power dynamics in Angola. Queen Nzinga, recognizing an opportunity, forged an alliance with the Dutch against their common enemy, the Portuguese. This alliance underscored her astute understanding of European rivalries and her ability to exploit these for the benefit of her people. The collaboration with the Dutch allowed Nzinga to launch coordinated military campaigns, significantly disrupting Portuguese control and weakening their slave-trading networks in the region. Her actions during this period underscore her tactical acumen and commitment to her people's independence.