Minister of Energy and Water
João Baptista Borges, born on January 4, 1964, in Ingombota, a municipality within the metropolitan area of Luanda province, is a well-known academic and politician from Angola. He has been serving as the Minister of Energy and Water since 2011, during the presidencies of José Eduardo dos Santos and João Lourenço. João Baptista Borges is a member of the Political Bureau of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) since June 17, 1998. He is proficient in English, French, and Spanish. His current residence is in Maianga, Luanda.
Education and Training
João Baptista Borges completed an Intermediate Course in Electricity at the Makarenko Polytechnic Institute in 1983. He obtained his degree in Electrical Engineering from Agostinho Neto University in 1991, which is highly regarded. In 2011, he pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the renowned Nova University of Lisbon in Portugal.
Professional Career
After graduating in 1991, João Baptista Borges started his civil service career as a trainee mechanical engineer at ENE/North Regional Directorate, where he worked until 1992. His passion for teaching and outstanding academic background led to his appointment as a professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Agostinho Neto University. Simultaneously, he held several positions, including Head of the MV/LV Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project at Luanda EDEL EP from 1991 to 1993. From 1993 to 1999, he served as the Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL EP. In 2000, he assumed the role of Administrator and Deputy General Manager of the Technical Area at EDEL EP, which he held until 2005. From 2002 to 2008, he served as the Chairman of the Board of EDEL EP. Recognizing his exceptional skills and accomplishments, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Energy in 2008, a position he held until 2010. From 2010 to 2011, he served as the Secretary of State for Energy before being appointed as the Minister of Energy and Water, a position he currently holds.
Governmental Experience
João Baptista Borges has an impressive track record and demonstrated expertise as an engineer and politician, which led to his appointment as Deputy Minister of Energy in 2008. He served in this role until 2010 when he was promoted to the position of Secretary of State for Energy. In 2011, he assumed the role of Minister of Energy and Water, a position he currently holds.
Throughout his tenure, Minister Borges actively participated in significant events and initiatives. He played a crucial role in the inauguration of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) in the Municipality of Viana, situated in Luanda. The center’s primary mission is to coordinate policies related to renewable energy and energy efficiency in the ECCAS region, while fostering an integrated and inclusive market for relevant products and services. The RCREEE receives support from influential organizations such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Minister Borges made a highly influential contribution to the National Water and Sanitation Forum (FONAS – 17/03/2023). This forum brought together key stakeholders, including the Minister of the Environment, representatives from UNICEF, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the European Union, and others. Minister Borges played a critical role in accomplishing the objectives of this event.
In his role as Minister of Energy and Water, Minister Borges assumed the responsibility of reorganizing the state’s business sector, formulating the legal and regulatory framework for the industry, and shaping the Energy and Water Plan for the period spanning 2012 to 2017. During his tenure as Secretary of State for Energy, Minister Borges led coordination efforts for the National Energy Security Plan and served as the coordinator of the Program for Enhancing Generation Capacity throughout the country. Furthermore, as Deputy Minister, he spearheaded a program with a specific focus on increasing power generation capacity in Luanda, aiming to add 300 MW to the city’s electrical grid.
Significantly, while serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDEL from 2008 to 2010, Minister Borges effectively implemented the organization’s restructuring, updated its Strategic Plan, and achieved remarkable growth in its customer base. Through his initiatives, EDEL attracted 120,000 clients within a span of three years by formalizing previously unauthorized consumers and introducing outsourced services in peripheral areas of Luanda. Additionally, he played a crucial role in expanding EDEL’s coverage to include the province of Bengo.
During his tenure as the Administrator and Deputy General Manager for the Technical Area of EDEL, Minister Borges assumed various important responsibilities. He played a pivotal part in formulating the “EDEL Strategic Plan for 2002-2005” and oversaw the coordination of all operational and maintenance activities within the organization. His duties encompassed managing diverse aspects related to public electricity supply services, including representing EDEL in the UPDEA (African Union of Electricity Producers and Distributors) and establishing agreements with other companies such as EDP, LIGHT, EDF, and others.
As Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area of EDEL-EP, Minister Borges effectively coordinated infrastructure projects and spearheaded the restructuring of EDEL’s commercial area. He successfully implemented the Pegasus commercial system. Additionally, he supervised the works area of EDEL, overseeing the execution of network extension projects and the connection of new clients.
Minister João Baptista Borges has actively participated in numerous international events, where he shared his knowledge, experience, and leadership to address crucial issues related to building a sustainable world. Notable events he attended include the 6th Annual Germany-Africa Energy Forum in Hamburg (April 2012), the Consultative Meeting on Water Supply and Sanitation Situation in Angola and Namibia (February 2012), and the International Conference and International Fair on Energy and Water (September 2012). He also took part in the High-Level Roundtable of the SADC Infrastructure Investment Summit in Maputo (June 2013), the Meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for the Water Sector (May 2013), the Meeting of Ministers of ZANCOM, Standing Committee, and Hydrographic Management of the Zambezi Basin (May 2013), the International Conference on Hydraulic Technology in Israel (October 2013), the International High-Level Conference on Water Cooperation in Dushanbe/Tajikistan (August 2013), and the Angola Namibia Bilateral Commission (March 2014).
United Nations (UN)
Minister João Baptista Borges, serving as the Minister of Energy in the Republic of Angola, has emerged as a dedicated supporter of the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
Energy Transition Dialogue
During the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue held on March 28-29, Minister Borges made a significant contribution. He highlighted the impressive progress in renewable energy in Angola, a country that is on track to export environmentally friendly hydrogen in the form of ammonia by 2025. While this accomplishment is the result of collective efforts, Minister Borges stands out as a visionary leader driving these objectives.
Decarbonization of Industry
Minister Borges actively participated in a panel discussion titled “Achieving Decarbonization in Industry – Stories of Success and Challenges in the Global Hydrogen Economy.” His involvement highlighted his strong commitment to climate goals and ensuring a sustainable supply of clean energy for an inclusive transition, particularly in countries situated in the southern regions.
UN Water Conference
In his role as the Minister of Energy and Water, Minister Borges led the Angolan delegation to the UN Water Conference held in New York City from March 22 to 24, 2023. On behalf of President João Lourenço, he announced a significant investment exceeding USD 4 billion in water supply projects for the period 2023-2027, with a specific focus on addressing water challenges faced by the southern regions of Angola. Minister Borges eloquently described the hardships endured by these areas, characterized by recurring droughts that result in population displacement and environmental disruptions, causing severe human and material consequences.
ESIAP and PDISA
Minister João Baptista Borges actively participated in a meeting of Water and Sanitation Ministers organized by the World Bank Group in conjunction with the UN Conference on Water – UN2023. During this gathering, he provided updates on the progress of ongoing projects funded by the World Bank and highlighted specific initiatives, including the Electric Sector Access and Improvement Project (ESIAP), the Water Sector Institutional Development Project (PDISA), and the Bita project.
Government’s Strategic Vision
In addition to his ministerial responsibilities, Minister Borges played a crucial role as the coordinator of the government’s “White Paper,” which presents the strategic vision for expanding renewable energies. He also supervised the development of the Ministry of Energy and Water’s statute, ensuring a strong framework for effective governance in these sectors. Additionally, he took on the responsibility of Angola’s National Liaison Office (NLO) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), representing the country in this global organization dedicated to promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
