Minister of Energy and Water
João Baptista Borges, who was born on January 4, 1964, in Ingombota, a municipality in the metropolitan area of Luanda province, serves as the Minister of Energy and Water. He is the son of Armando Borges and Maria da Conceição de Castro Paiva and currently resides in Maianga, Luanda.
Borges is a distinguished academic and politician from Angola, holding the position of Minister of Energy and Water since 2011, serving under Presidents José Eduardo dos Santos and João Lourenço. 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, he possesses proficiency in three foreign languages.
Education and Training:
In 1983, João Baptista Borges completed an Intermediate Course in Electricity at the Makarenko Polytechnic Institute. Later, in 1991, he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the renowned Agostinho Neto University. In 2011, he pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the esteemed Nova University of Lisbon in Portugal.
Professional Career:
Following his graduation in 1991, João Baptista began his civil service career as a trainee mechanical engineer at the ENE/North Regional Directorate until 1992. Due to his passion for teaching and exceptional academic background, he assumed the role of professor at the Faculty of Engineering at Agostinho Neto University. In addition to teaching subjects like Technology of Electrical Materials I and II, 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 served as the 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, a position he held until 2005. In 2002, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of EDEL EP until 2008 when he was honored with the position of Deputy Minister of Energy in recognition of his exceptional merits and capabilities.
Governmental Experience:
Due to his outstanding track record as an engineer and politician, João Baptista Borges was appointed Deputy Minister of Energy in 2008, a position he held until 2010. He was subsequently promoted to Secretary of State for Energy, serving until 2011 when he assumed the role of Minister of Energy and Water, which he continues to hold to this day.
He actively participated in the inauguration of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) located in the Municipality of Viana, Luanda. The center’s mission is to coordinate renewable energy and energy efficiency policies of the ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States) and promote an integrated and inclusive market for products and services within the region. The RCREEE receives support from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
As Minister, he has been responsible for restructuring the state’s business sector, formulating the legal and regulatory framework for the energy and water sector, and defining the Energy and Water Plan for the period 2012-2017. During his tenure as Secretary of State for Energy, he coordinated the preparation of the National Energy Security Plan and served as the coordinator of the Program for Strengthening Generation Capacity throughout the country. Additionally, as Deputy Minister, he oversaw the coordination of the program to enhance power generation capacity for Luanda, specifically aiming to generate 300 MW.
During his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDEL from 2008 to 2010, Minister Borges spearheaded the restructuring of the organization and updated its Strategic Plan. As a result of formalizing illegal consumers and outsourcing services in peripheral areas of Luanda, EDEL attracted 120,000 clients within three years. Additionally, he expanded EDEL’s coverage area to include the province of Bengo.
While serving as Administrator and Deputy General Manager for the Technical Area of EDEL, Minister Borges took charge of preparing the “EDEL Strategic Plan for 2002-2005.” He efficiently coordinated all operation and maintenance activities of EDEL, managed a wide range of tasks related to public electricity supply services, and represented EDEL in UPDEA (African Union of Electricity Producers and Distributors). He also facilitated agreements with other companies such as EDP, LIGHT, EDF, and more.
In his role as Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area of EDEL-EP, Minister Borges oversaw all infrastructure projects of EDEL, coordinated the restructuring process of the commercial area, implemented the commercial system (Pegasus), and managed EDEL’s works area, which involved executing network extension projects and connecting new clients.
Since joining the government, Minister João Baptista Borges has actively participated in numerous international events, sharing his wisdom, experience, leadership, and commitment to crucial issues related to building a sustainable planet. Notable events he attended include 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; the International Conference and International Fair on Energy and Water from September 24 to 28, 2012; 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; the Meeting of Ministers of ZANCOM, Standing Committee, and Hydrographic Management of the Zambezi Basin on May 30, 2013; 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 the Angola Namibia Bilateral Commission on March 10-11, 2014.
United Nations (UN)
João Baptista Borges, the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Angola, has emerged as an unwavering advocate for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the United Nations’ (UN) 2030 Agenda.
Energy Transition Dialogue
He actively participated in the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue held on March 28-29. His remarkable contribution at the event focused on highlighting the advancements of renewable energies in Angola. As a leader and the driving force behind these achievements, Borges played a significant role in positioning Angola as a country capable of exporting green hydrogen in the form of ammonia by 2025.
Decarbonisation of Industry
Minister Borges also took part in a panel discussion on “Decarbonisation of Industry – Success Stories and Challenges of the Global Hydrogen Economy.” His involvement demonstrated his dedication and commitment to climate objectives and the secure provision of clean energy for a sustainable transition, especially in developing nations.
UN Water Conference
As the Minister of Energy and Water, representing President João Lourenço, Borges led the Angolan delegation to the UN Water Conference held in New York City from March 22 to 24, 2023. During the conference, he announced a significant investment of over USD 4 billion for the period of 2023-2027 to address the water situation in Angola, particularly in the southern regions. His poignant words resonated with the attendees of the World Forum as he expressed the challenges faced by drought-affected areas in the south, leading to population displacement and significant human and material sacrifices.
ESIAP and PDISA
Minister João Baptista Borges was also invited by the World Bank Group to participate in the meeting of Water and Sanitation Ministers held in conjunction with the UN Conference on Water – UN2023. In this capacity, he provided updates on ongoing projects funded by the World Bank and highlighted the progress of projects such as the Electric Sector Access and Improvement Project (ESIAP), the Water Sector Institutional Development Project (PDISA), and the Bita project.
Strategic Vision of the Government
In addition to his ministerial responsibilities, Minister Borges played a pivotal role as the coordinator of the “White Paper,” which outlines the government’s strategic vision for expanding renewable energies. He also led the coordination efforts for drafting the statute of the Ministry of Energy and Water. Furthermore, he served as the head of Angola’s National Liaison Office (NLO) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), representing the country in global initiatives promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing nuclear weapon proliferation.
