Minister of Energy and Water
João Baptista Borges, the Minister of Energy and Water, has had a notable career as an academic and politician in Angola. Born on January 4, 1964, in Ingombota, a municipality in the metropolitan area of Luanda province, he is the son of Armando Borges and Maria da Conceição de Castro Paiva. Currently, he resides in Maianga, Luanda. Borges has been serving as the Minister of Energy and Water since 2011, during the administrations of 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. In addition to his native language, he is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.
Training and Education
In terms of education, João Baptista Borges completed an Intermediate Course in Electricity at the Makarenko Polytechnic Institute in 1983. He then graduated in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Agostinho Neto University in 1991. Later, in 2011, he pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal.
Professional Career
Borges embarked on his professional career in the civil service as a trainee mechanical engineer at ENE/North Regional Directorate from 1991 to 1992. Given his passion for teaching and his exceptional academic background, he became a professor at the Faculty of Engineering at Agostinho Neto University. Alongside his teaching role, he held various positions, such as Head of the MV/LV Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project at Luanda EDEL EP from 1991 to 1993. In 1999, he was appointed Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL EP. In 2000, he became Administrator and Deputy General Manager of the Technical Area at EDEL EP, a position he held until 2005. In 2002, he was promoted to Chairman of the Board of EDEL EP until 2008 when he assumed the role of Deputy Minister of Energy, and later Secretary of State of Energy in 2010. In 2011, he was appointed as the Minister of Energy and Water, a position he currently holds.
Governmental Experience
João Baptista Borges has participated in several significant events throughout his governmental career. He attended the inauguration of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) in Luanda, which aims to coordinate renewable energy and energy efficiency policies in the ECCAS region.
He has also been instrumental in the National Water and Sanitation Forum (FONAS – 17/03/2023), where his intervention played a key role in achieving the forum’s objectives. As Minister, he has been responsible for various important tasks, including the restructuring of the state’s business sector, the development of the legal and regulatory framework for the energy sector, and the formulation of the Energy and Water Plan 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 nationwide. Furthermore, as Deputy Minister, he oversaw the program to enhance power generation capacity for Luanda, specifically targeting an increase of 300 MW.
During his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDEL from 2008 to 2010, Minister Borges successfully implemented the restructuring of the organization. He also updated the Strategic Plan, which led to significant achievements such as attracting 120,000 clients within three years through the formalization of previously illegal consumers and outsourcing services in peripheral areas of Luanda. Additionally, he expanded EDEL’s coverage to include 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 the company, managed various aspects related to public electricity supply services, and represented EDEL in UPDEA (African Union of Electricity Producers and Distributors). Furthermore, he established agreements with other companies such as EDP, LIGHT, EDF, among others.
In his position as Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area of EDEL-EP, Minister Borges oversaw the coordination of infrastructure projects and led the restructuring process of the commercial area, introducing the commercial system Pegasus. He also supervised EDEL’s works area, which involved executing network extension projects and connecting new clients.
Minister João Baptista Borges has actively participated in numerous international events since joining the government, where he has shared his wisdom, experience, leadership, and commitment to the crucial issues of building a sustainable planet. Notable events he attended include 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 has also taken 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 and the Meeting of Ministers of ZANCOM on May 30, 2013. Furthermore, he participated in the International Conference on Hydraulic Technology in Israel in October 2013, the International High-Level Conference on Water Cooperation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan in August 2013, and was a member of the Angola Namibia Bilateral Commission in March 2014.
United Nations (UN)
João Baptista Borges, in his role as Minister of Energy of the Republic of Angola, has emerged as a dedicated advocate for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations (UN) by 2030.
Energy Transition Dialogue
At the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue held on 28-29 March, Minister Borges actively participated and delivered a remarkable speech highlighting the advancements in renewable energy within Angola. His leadership and strategic thinking have played a significant role in positioning Angola to become a exporter of green hydrogen in the form of ammonia by 2025, a noteworthy achievement.
Decarbonisation of Industry
Demonstrating his commitment to climate goals and the secure supply of clean energy for a climate transition, Minister Borges also took part in a panel discussion on the “Decarbonisation of Industry – Success Stories and Challenges of the Global Hydrogen Economy”. His involvement exemplified his concern for implementing climate objectives in a socially equitable manner, particularly in southern countries.
UN Water Conference
As Minister of Energy and Water, Minister Borges led the Angolan delegation to the UN ESIAP and PDISA Water Conference in New York City from 22 to 24 March 2023. Acting on behalf of President João Lourenço, he announced a significant investment of over USD 4 billion in water supply infrastructure for the country, with a particular focus on addressing water scarcity issues in the southern regions. Minister Borges eloquently conveyed the challenges faced by regions affected by cyclic droughts, resulting in population displacement and animal migration, causing significant human and material sacrifices.
ESIAP and PDISA
Additionally, Minister João Baptista Borges participated in a meeting of Water and Sanitation Ministers, organized by the World Bank Group during the UN Conference on Water – UN2023. He provided updates on ongoing projects funded by the World Bank and discussed initiatives 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
Notably, Minister Borges played a crucial role in coordinating the preparation of the “White Paper,” outlining the government’s strategic vision for expanding renewable energies. He also led the drafting of the Ministry of Energy and Water’s statute. Furthermore, he assumed responsibility as the head of Angola’s National Liaison Office (NLO) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), representing the country in global efforts promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing nuclear weapon proliferation.
