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 the son of Armando Borges and Maria da Conceição de Castro Paiva. He currently resides in Maianga, Luanda. Borges is a distinguished Angolan academic and politician who has served as the Minister of Energy and Water since 2011, 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 three foreign languages, namely English, French, and Spanish.
Training and 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. Subsequently, in 2011, he pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal.
Professional Career
After his graduation in 1991, João Baptista began his career in the civil service as a trainee mechanical engineer at ENE/North Regional Directorate until 1992. Combining his passion for teaching with his exceptional academic background, he was appointed as a professor at the Faculty of Engineering at Agostinho Neto University. During this time, he taught subjects such as Technology of Electrical Materials I and II while holding other positions such as Head of the MV/LV Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project at Luanda EDEL EP from 1991 to 1993. In 1993, he was appointed Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL EP, a position he held until 1999. In 2000, he became Administrator and Deputy General Manager of the Technical Area at EDEL EP, a role he occupied until 2005. In 2002, he was promoted to Chairman of the Board of EDEL EP, serving until 2008 when he was appointed 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 when he was promoted to Secretary of State for Energy. In 2011, he was appointed Minister of Energy and Water, a role he continues to hold. He participated in the inauguration of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) in the Municipality of Viana, Luanda.
This center’s mission is to coordinate renewable energy and energy efficiency policies in the ECCAS region and promote an integrated and inclusive ECCAS market for related products and services. RCREEE receives support from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). His participation in the National Water and Sanitation Forum (FONAS – 17/03/2023) was instrumental, with the presence of the Minister of the Environment, UNICEF representative Andrew Trevett, and representatives from the World Bank, African Development Bank, European Union, among others. His intervention played a key role in achieving the objectives of the event.
As Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDEL from 2008 to 2010, João Baptista Borges successfully organized and implemented the restructuring of the organization, as well as updated its Strategic Plan. Through the formalization of illegal consumers and the agency (outsourcing) of services in the peripheral areas of Luanda, he attracted 120,000 clients within a span of three years. Additionally, he expanded the coverage area of EDEL to include the province of Bengo.
During his tenure as Administrator and Deputy General Manager for the Technical Area of EDEL, Minister Borges was responsible for various key tasks. This included developing the “EDEL Strategic Plan for 2002-2005,” overseeing the coordination of all operational and maintenance activities, managing a wide range of tasks related to the public electricity supply service, and representing EDEL in UPDEA (African Union of Electricity Producers and Distributors). He also played a role in negotiating agreements with other companies such as EDP, LIGHT, EDF, and more.
As Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area of EDEL-EP, Minister Borges efficiently coordinated infrastructure projects, spearheaded the restructuring of EDEL’s commercial area, introduced the commercial system (Pegasus), and oversaw the 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 addressing the critical issues surrounding the creation of a sustainable planet. Noteworthy appearances include the 6th Annual Germany-Africa Energy Forum in Hamburg from 22 to 25 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 from 24 to 28 September 2012. He also contributed to the High-Level Roundtable of the SADC Infrastructure Investment Summit in Maputo on 27 June 2013, the Meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for the Water Sector on 30 May 2013, and the Meeting of Ministers of ZANCOM, Standing Committee, and Hydrographic Management of the Zambezi Basin on 30 May 2013. Additionally, Minister Borges attended the International Conference on Hydraulic Technology in Israel from 18 to 25 October 2013, the International High-Level Conference on Water Cooperation held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on 20 and 21 August 2013, and served as a member of the Angola Namibia Bilateral Commission on 10-11 March 2014.
United Nations (UN)
As Minister of Energy of the Republic of Angola, João Baptista Borges has emerged as a passionate advocate for achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. His dedication to these goals is evident in his active involvement in various international forums and conferences.
Energy Transition Dialogue
At the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue in Germany, held on 28-29 March, Minister Borges delivered a remarkable speech highlighting the progress of renewable energies in Angola. He emphasized the country’s ability to export green hydrogen in the form of ammonia by 2025, a significant achievement that reflects his leadership and strategic vision.
Decarbonisation of Industry
Minister Borges also 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. He emphasized the importance of implementing a socially just climate transition, particularly in southern countries.
Furthermore, Minister Borges led the Angolan delegation to the UN Water Conference in New York City from 22-24 March 2023. In his capacity as Minister of Energy and Water, he represented President João Lourenço and announced a substantial investment of over USD 4 billion in water supply projects for the period 2023-2027. This investment aims to address the water situation in the country, particularly in the drought-prone regions of the south.
UN Water Conference
In addition to his active participation in international conferences, Minister João Baptista Borges engaged in discussions with the World Bank Group during the UN Conference on Water – UN2023. He provided updates on ongoing projects funded by the World Bank, such as the Electric Sector Access and Improvement Project (ESIAP) and the Water Sector Institutional Development Project (PDISA). He also discussed the Bita project, among others, highlighting the government’s strategic focus on enhancing access to electricity and improving water sector institutions.
ESIAP and PDISA
In addition, Minister João Baptista Borges took part in the Ministerial Meeting on Water and Sanitation, which was held alongside the UN Conference on Water – UN2023. The meeting, organized by the World Bank Group, provided an opportunity for him to provide updates on ongoing projects financed by the World Bank. Minister Borges also highlighted the progress of various projects, 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
Moreover, Minister Borges played a crucial role in shaping the “Strategic Vision of the Government for the expansion of renewable energies.” He served as the coordinator for the preparation of the associated “White Paper” and was responsible for drafting the statute of the Ministry of Energy and Water. Additionally, he oversaw the National Liaison Office (NLO) of Angola to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), representing the country in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing nuclear weapons proliferation.
