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 a highly respected academic and politician in Angola. He has been serving as the Minister of Energy and Water since 2011 under the leadership of Presidents José Eduardo dos Santos and João Lourenço. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, he is known for his strong linguistic skills.
Training and Education
Borges began his professional journey as a trainee mechanical engineer at ENE/North Regional Directorate and later became a professor at the Faculty of Engineering at Agostinho Neto University. Throughout his career, he held various positions, including Head of the MV/LV Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project at Luanda EDEL EP and Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL EP. He also served as Administrator and Deputy General Manager of the Technical Area at EDEL EP. From 2002 to 2008, he was the Chairman of the Board of EDEL EP. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was appointed as Deputy Minister of Energy in 2008 and later served as Secretary of State of Energy until 2011 when he assumed his current role as Minister of Energy and Water.
Professional Career
In terms of education, Borges completed an Intermediate Course in Electricity at the Makarenko Polytechnic Institute in 1983 and obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering from Agostinho Neto University in 1991. He further pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal, in 2011.
Governmental Experience
João Baptista Borges, renowned for his remarkable engineering expertise and political acumen, embarked on his governmental career as Deputy Minister of Energy in 2008. He held this position until 2010 when he was promoted to the role of Secretary of State of Energy. In 2011, he assumed the important position of Minister of Energy and Water, a position he has continued to hold.
Throughout his tenure, Minister Borges has played a pivotal role in various significant initiatives. One notable contribution was his active involvement in the inauguration of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) located in the Municipality of Viana in Luanda. This center aims to coordinate renewable energy and energy efficiency policies within the ECCAS region, fostering an integrated and inclusive market for related products and services. With support from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the United Nations Organization for Industrial Development (UNIDO), RCREEE plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable energy practices.
Additionally, Minister Borges made a decisive and impactful contribution to the National Water and Sanitation Forum (FONAS – 17/03/2023). This forum, attended by influential figures such as the Minister of the Environment, UNICEF representative Andrew Trevett, and representatives from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and European Union, among others, aimed to achieve specific objectives related to water and sanitation. Minister Borges’ intervention played a pivotal role in the successful outcome of the event.
In his capacity as Minister, João Baptista Borges held several significant responsibilities. He was tasked with overseeing the restructuring of the state’s business sector and played a pivotal role in shaping the legal and regulatory framework of the energy and water sector. Additionally, he played a key role in formulating the Energy and Water Plan 2012-2017. During his tenure as Secretary of State for Energy, he led the coordination of the National Energy Security Plan and spearheaded the Program for Strengthening Generation Capacity nationwide. As Deputy Minister, he was responsible for coordinating the program aimed at enhancing power generation capacity specifically in Luanda, with a target of increasing it by 300 MW.
Notably, while serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDEL from 2008 to 2010, Minister Borges successfully executed the restructuring of the organization, updated its Strategic Plan, and significantly expanded its customer base. His efforts resulted in attracting 120,000 clients within three years by formalizing previously illegal consumers and introducing outsourcing services in peripheral areas of Luanda. Furthermore, he played a vital role in extending EDEL’s coverage area to include the province of Bengo.
During his tenure as Administrator and Deputy General Manager for the Technical Area of EDEL, Minister Borges undertook several key responsibilities. He played a pivotal role in formulating the “EDEL Strategic Plan for 2002-2005” and oversaw the coordination of all operational and maintenance activities within EDEL. His duties encompassed managing various aspects related to public electricity supply services, including representing EDEL in UPDEA (African Union of Electricity Producers and Distributors) and establishing agreements with other companies such as EDP, LIGHT, EDF, among others.
As Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL-EP, Minister Borges assumed the coordination of infrastructure projects and played a central role in restructuring EDEL’s commercial division. He spearheaded the implementation of the commercial system (Pegasus) and supervised the works area, ensuring the successful execution of network extension projects and the seamless connection of new clients.
Throughout his career, Minister João Baptista Borges actively participated in numerous international events, where he shared his expertise and contributed to discussions on building a sustainable planet. His presence was notable at the 6th Annual Germany-Africa Energy Forum in Hamburg in April 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 in September 2012. He also took part in the High-Level Roundtable of the SADC Infrastructure Investment Summit in Maputo in June 2013, the Meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for the Water Sector in May 2013, and the Meeting of Ministers of ZANCOM, Standing Committee, and Hydrographic Management of the Zambezi Basin in May 2013. Moreover, he attended the International Conference on Hydraulic Technology in Israel in October 2013, the International High-Level Conference on Water Cooperation held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan in August 2013, and served as a member of the Angola Namibia Bilateral Commission in March 2014.
United Nations (UN)
João Baptista Borges, in his capacity as the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Angola, has emerged as a committed advocate for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations (UN) for the year 2030. He wholeheartedly embraces the objectives set by the UN and actively works towards their realization.
Energy Transition Dialogue
Minister Borges actively participated in the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue held on March 28-29. His contribution during the event was exceptional, highlighting the impressive advancements of renewable energies in Angola. Through his leadership and strategic vision, Angola is making significant progress towards exporting green hydrogen in the form of ammonia by 2025. While this accomplishment is the result of collective efforts, it bears the distinct imprint of Minister Borges as a visionary leader responsible for achieving these goals.
Decarbonization of Industry
Minister Borges actively participated in a panel discussion focused on “Achieving Decarbonization in Industry – Examples of Success and Challenges in the Global Hydrogen Economy.” His involvement showcased his strong dedication to climate objectives and ensuring a reliable supply of clean energy for a transition towards a sustainable future. He specifically underscored the significance of implementing these measures in a socially equitable manner, with particular emphasis on the unique challenges faced by countries in the southern regions.
UN Water Conference
In his role as Minister of Energy and Water, João Baptista Borges led the Angolan delegation to the UN Water Conference held in New York City from March 22-24, 2023. On behalf of President João Lourenço, Minister Borges announced a substantial investment of over USD 4 billion for the five-year period of 2023-2027 to address the water situation in Angola, with a particular focus on the southern regions. His eloquent speech resonated with the attendees at the global forum, highlighting the daunting challenges posed by recurring droughts, which result in population displacement and the disruption of ecosystems in the affected areas.
ESIAP and PDISA
Furthermore, Minister João Baptista Borges actively 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 the meeting, he provided progress updates on various projects financed by the World Bank, including the Electric Sector Access and Improvement Project (ESIAP), the Water Sector Institutional Development Project (PDISA), and the Bita project.
Government’s Strategic Vision
Minister João Baptista Borges assumed the role of coordinating the development of the “White Paper,” which outlines the government’s strategic vision for expanding renewable energies. Additionally, he oversaw the formulation process of the Ministry of Energy and Water’s statute, ensuring a strong framework for effective governance in these sectors. Moreover, Minister Borges took on the responsibility of Angola’s National Liaison Office (NLO) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This office serves as the country’s representative at the IAEA, an international organization focused on promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Through his active involvement in these significant initiatives, Minister João Baptista Borges demonstrates his unwavering dedication to shaping the government’s strategic direction, fostering the expansion of renewable energy sources, and promoting responsible engagement in the field of nuclear energy.
