Minister of Energy and Water
Minister João Baptista Borges, born on January 4, 1964, in Ingombota, a municipality in the metropolitan area of Luanda province, is an esteemed Angolan academic and politician. He has been serving as the Minister of Energy and Water since 2011, holding this position under Presidents José Eduardo dos Santos and João Lourenço. Additionally, he has been a member of the Political Bureau of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) since June 17, 1998. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Minister Borges possesses a strong linguistic aptitude.
Training and Education
Regarding his education, João Baptista Borges completed an Intermediate Course in Electricity at the Makarenko Polytechnic Institute in 1983. In 1991, he graduated in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Agostinho Neto University. Later, in 2011, he pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the renowned Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal.
Professional Career
Throughout his professional career, Minister Borges has demonstrated his commitment to public service. He began as a trainee mechanical engineer at ENE/North Regional Directorate after his graduation in 1991. Given his passion for teaching and exceptional academic background, he became a professor at the Faculty of Engineering at Agostinho Neto University. In addition to teaching, he undertook various roles such as Head of the MV/LV Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project at Luanda EDEL EP from 1991 to 1993. He then served as the Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL EP until 1999, followed by his appointment as Administrator and Deputy General Manager of the Technical Area at EDEL EP from 2000 to 2005. In 2002, he was promoted to Chairman of the Board of EDEL EP until 2008 when he transitioned to the role of Deputy Minister of Energy based on his exceptional merits and capabilities.
Governmental Experience
Minister Borges has held significant governmental positions. He served as Deputy Minister of Energy from 2008 to 2010 before being promoted to Secretary of State of Energy until 2011 when he assumed the position of Minister of Energy and Water, which he currently holds. His involvement in various events and conferences highlights his active participation in the sector.
For instance, he participated in the inauguration of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) in Luanda’s Municipality of Viana. This center, supported by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the United Nations Organization for Industrial Development (UNIDO), aims to coordinate renewable energy and energy efficiency policies in the ECCAS region.
Minister João Baptista Borges’ extensive experience, expertise, and dedication to the energy and water sectors have positioned him as a key figure in Angola’s governance and development in these crucial areas.
During his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDEL from 2008 to 2010, Minister Borges demonstrated his organizational skills and executed a comprehensive restructuring of the entity. He successfully updated the Strategic Plan and implemented strategies that led to the formalization of illegal consumers, resulting in the acquisition of 120,000 clients within a span of three years. Moreover, he introduced service agency outsourcing in the peripheral areas of Luanda, expanding EDEL’s coverage to the Bengo province.
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 effectively coordinated all operational and maintenance activities of EDEL, representing the company in the African Union of Electricity Producers and Distributors (UPDEA), and establishing agreements with other prominent companies such as EDP, LIGHT, and EDF.
Furthermore, as Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area of EDEL-EP, Minister Borges oversaw the coordination of all infrastructure projects within EDEL. He spearheaded the restructuring process of EDEL’s commercial area, introducing the commercial system Pegasus. Additionally, he successfully managed 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 various international events, effectively sharing his wisdom, experience, leadership, and dedication to crucial sustainability issues. Among these engagements, he attended the 6th Annual Germany-Africa Energy Forum in Hamburg from April 22 to 25, 2012, the Consultative Meeting on Water Supply and Sanitation Situation in Angola and Namibia in February 2012, and the International Conference and International Fair on Energy and Water from September 24 to 28, 2012. He also took part in the High-Level Roundtable of the SADC Infrastructure Investment Summit in Maputo on June 27, 2013, the Meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for the Water Sector on May 30, 2013, and the Meeting of Ministers of ZANCOM, Standing Committee, and Hydrographic Management of the Zambezi Basin, also on May 30, 2013. Furthermore, he attended the International Conference on Hydraulic Technology in Israel from October 18 to 25, 2013, the International High-Level Conference on Water Cooperation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on August 20 and 21, 2013, and served as a member of the Angola Namibia Bilateral Commission on March 10-11, 2014.
United Nations (UN)
João Baptista Borges, in his role as the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Angola, has emerged as a dedicated advocate for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
Energy Transition Dialogue
At the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue held on March 28-29, Minister Borges delivered a remarkable speech highlighting the remarkable progress of renewable energy in Angola. He emphasized the country’s ability to export green hydrogen in the form of ammonia by 2025, a significant achievement that can be attributed to Borges’ leadership and strategic vision.
Decarbonisation of Industry
Additionally, Minister Borges actively participated in a panel discussion on the “Decarbonisation of Industry – Success Stories and Challenges of the Global Hydrogen Economy,” demonstrating his commitment to climate goals and the secure supply of clean energy for a just transition, particularly in developing countries.
UN Water Conference
As the Minister of Energy and Water, Borges led the Angolan delegation to the UN Water Conference held in New York City from March 22-24, 2023. In his capacity as a representative of President João Lourenço, he announced a significant investment of over USD 4 billion to address the water situation in Angola, particularly in the drought-affected regions of the south. His powerful words at the conference shed light on the challenges faced by these regions and the importance of addressing them to prevent human and material sacrifices.
ESIAP and PDISA
Minister João Baptista Borges also attended a meeting of Ministers of Water and Sanitation, organized by the World Bank Group on the sidelines of the UN Conference on Water – UN2023. He provided updates on ongoing projects funded by the World Bank, including the Electric Sector Access and Improvement Project (ESIAP), the Water Sector Institutional Development Project (PDISA), and the Bita project.
Strategic Vision of the Government
Furthermore, Minister Borges played a pivotal role in coordinating the preparation of the “White Paper” that outlines the Strategic Vision of the Government for the expansion of renewable energies. He also led the drafting of the Ministry of Energy and Water’s statute and acted as the head of Angola’s National Liaison Office (NLO) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), representing the country in matters related to nuclear energy and non-proliferation efforts.
