Minister of Energy and Water
João Baptista Borges, born on January 4, 1964, in Ingombota, a municipality in the metropolitan area of Luanda province, is a distinguished Angolan academic and politician. He has been serving as the Minister of Energy and Water since 2011, under 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.
Education and Training
João Baptista Borges completed an Intermediate Course in Electricity at the Makarenko Polytechnic Institute in 1983. In 1991, he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from the esteemed Agostinho Neto University. Later, in 2011, he pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal.
Professional Path
Following his graduation in 1991, João Baptista commenced his career in the civil service as a trainee mechanical engineer at ENE/North Regional Directorate, where he served until 1992. His profound passion for teaching and remarkable academic background led to his appointment as a professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Agostinho Neto University. During this period, he also held various positions, including Head of the MV/LV Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project at Luanda EDEL EP from 1991 to 1993. From 1993 to 1999, he assumed the role of Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL EP. In 2000, he became the Administrator and Deputy General Manager of the Technical Area at EDEL EP, holding this position until 2005. In 2002, he was promoted to Chairman of the Board of EDEL EP, a position he held until 2008. His exceptional merits and capabilities led to his appointment as Deputy Minister of Energy in 2008, a role he held until 2010. From 2010 to 2011, he served as the Secretary of State of Energy before being appointed as the Minister of Energy and Water, a role he continues to hold.
Governmental Experience
João Baptista Borges has an illustrious track record and proven expertise as an engineer and politician, which led to his appointment as Deputy Minister of Energy in 2008. He served in this capacity until 2010 when he was promoted to the position of Secretary of State of Energy. In 2011, he assumed the role of Minister of Energy and Water, a position he currently holds.
During his tenure, Minister Borges actively participated in significant events and initiatives. He played a pivotal role in the inauguration of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) in Luanda’s Municipality of Viana. The center’s mission is to coordinate renewable energy and energy efficiency policies in the ECCAS region, while promoting an integrated and inclusive market for related products and services. The RCREEE enjoys the support of influential organizations such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the United Nations Organization for Industrial Development (UNIDO).
His participation in the National Water and Sanitation Forum (FONAS – 17/03/2023) was highly influential. The forum brought together key stakeholders, including the Minister of the Environment, representatives from UNICEF, the World Bank, African Development Bank, European Union, and others. Minister Borges played a crucial role in achieving the objectives of this event.
As Minister of Energy and Water, he took on the responsibility of restructuring the state’s business sector, developing the legal and regulatory framework for the industry, and shaping the Energy and Water Plan for the period 2012-2017. During his tenure as Secretary of State for Energy, Minister Borges led the coordination efforts for the National Energy Security Plan and served as the coordinator of the Program for Strengthening Generation Capacity across the country. Additionally, as Deputy Minister, he spearheaded the program focused on bolstering power generation capacity specifically for Luanda, aiming to add 300 MW to the city’s grid.
Overall, Minister João Baptista Borges has demonstrated exceptional leadership and played a crucial role in shaping Angola’s energy and water sectors through his various government positions.
During his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDEL from 2008 to 2010, Minister João Baptista Borges led the restructuring efforts of the organization. He successfully updated the Strategic Plan and implemented initiatives that resulted in attracting 120,000 clients within a span of three years. This achievement was a direct outcome of formalizing illegal consumers and outsourcing services in the peripheral areas of Luanda. Furthermore, he expanded EDEL’s coverage area to include the province of Bengo.
As Administrator and Deputy General Manager for the Technical Area of EDEL, Minister Borges played a crucial role in developing the “EDEL Strategic Plan for 2002-2005.” He oversaw the coordination of all operational and maintenance activities within EDEL, as well as the management of various aspects related to public electricity supply services. Additionally, he represented EDEL in the African Union of Electricity Producers and Distributors (UPDEA) and facilitated agreements with other companies such as EDP, LIGHT, EDF, and more.
In his capacity 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 introduced the commercial system known as Pegasus. Moreover, he oversaw the works area of EDEL, which involved executing network extension projects and connecting new clients.
Minister João Baptista Borges has actively participated in numerous international events, sharing his wisdom, experience, and leadership to address critical issues related to building a sustainable planet. 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 participated 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)
In his capacity as the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Angola, Minister João Baptista Borges has emerged as a committed advocate for the realization 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 delivered a noteworthy contribution. He underscored the substantial advancements in renewable energy achieved within Angola, a nation poised to export green hydrogen in the form of ammonia by 2025. While this accomplishment is the result of collective efforts, it unmistakably reflects Minister Borges’ leadership and driving force behind these objectives.
Decarbonisation of Industry
Minister Borges actively engaged in a panel discussion centered on the “Decarbonisation of Industry – Success Stories and Challenges of the Global Hydrogen Economy.” His participation underscored his profound commitment to climate objectives and ensuring a reliable supply of clean energy for an equitable transition, particularly in countries located in the southern regions.
UN Water Conference
In his capacity as Minister of Energy and Water, Minister Borges led the Angolan delegation to the UN Water Conference convened in New York City from March 22 to 24, 2023. Acting on behalf of President João Lourenço, he announced a substantial investment exceeding USD 4 billion allocated for water supply projects spanning the period from 2023 to 2027, with a primary focus on addressing water-related challenges in the southern regions of the country. Minister Borges eloquently conveyed the hardships faced by these regions, characterized by recurrent droughts leading to population displacement and the migration of wildlife, resulting in significant human and material sacrifices.
ESIAP and PDISA
Minister João Baptista Borges also participated in a gathering of Water and Sanitation Ministers, organized by the World Bank Group on the sidelines of the UN Conference on Water – UN2023. During this meeting, he provided updates on ongoing projects financed by the World Bank and highlighted ongoing 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 duties, Minister Borges assumed a pivotal role as the coordinator of the “White Paper” delineating the “Government’s Strategic Vision for the expansion of renewable energies.” He also spearheaded the formulation of the Ministry of Energy and Water’s statute. Furthermore, he took charge of Angola’s National Liaison Office (NLO) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), serving as Angola’s representative to this global institution dedicated to promoting the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
