Minister of Energy and Water
João Baptista Borges, born on January 4, 1964, in Ingombota, a municipality located in the metropolitan area of Luanda province, is the offspring of Armando Borges and Maria da Conceição de Castro Paiva. He currently resides in Maianga, Luanda.
Borges is a distinguished figure in the Angolan academic and political spheres, holding the position of Minister of Energy and Water since 2011, serving under the leadership of 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, showcasing his longstanding commitment to the party. He is proficient in three foreign languages: English, French, and Spanish.
Educational Background
In the year 1983, João Baptista Borges successfully completed an Intermediate Course in Electricity at the Makarenko Polytechnic Institute. Subsequently, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the esteemed Agostinho Neto University in 1991. Later, in 2011, he furthered his academic journey by pursuing a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the prestigious Nova University of Lisbon in Portugal.
Professional Journey
Following his graduation in 1991, João Baptista embarked on his civil service career as a trainee mechanical engineer at ENE/North Regional Directorate, where he served until 1992. Due to his profound enthusiasm for teaching and remarkable academic background, he assumed the role of a professor at the Faculty of Engineering at Agostinho Neto University. During this academic phase, he imparted knowledge on subjects such as Technology of Electrical Materials I and II. Simultaneously, he held various significant positions, including Head of the MV/LV Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project at Luanda EDEL EP from 1991 to 1993. In 1993, he assumed the pivotal position of Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL EP, a role he diligently fulfilled until 1999. In 2000, he ascended to the position of Administrator and Deputy General Manager of the Technical Area at EDEL EP, where he continued to excel until 2005. Subsequently, in 2002, he was promoted to the role of Chairman of the Board of EDEL EP, holding this influential position until 2008 when his exceptional merits and capabilities led to his appointment as Deputy Minister of Energy.
Governmental Experience
Given his remarkable track record as both an engineer and a politician, João Baptista Borges assumed the crucial role of Deputy Minister of Energy in 2008, a position he adeptly occupied until 2010. His outstanding performance warranted a promotion to the role of Secretary of State of Energy, which he commendably held until 2011 when he undertook his current role as Minister of Energy and Water.
His Contributions
Throughout his tenure, Minister Borges has played a pivotal role in numerous noteworthy initiatives. One of his significant contributions was his active engagement in the inauguration of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) situated in the Municipality of Viana, Luanda. This vital institution is dedicated to coordinating policies related to renewable energy and energy efficiency within the ECCAS region, with the overarching goal of fostering an integrated and inclusive market for relevant products and services. Notably, RCREEE benefits from the support of international organizations such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Furthermore, Minister Borges made substantial and impactful contributions to the National Water and Sanitation Forum (FONAS) that took place on March 17, 2023. This high-profile forum witnessed the participation of prominent figures, including the Minister of the Environment, UNICEF representative Andrew Trevett, and delegates from esteemed institutions such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the European Union, among others. Minister Borges’ intervention played a pivotal role in achieving the forum’s objectives.
In his capacity as Minister, João Baptista Borges has assumed several critical responsibilities. He has overseen the restructuring of the state’s business sector and has been instrumental in shaping the legal and regulatory framework of the energy and water sector. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in formulating the Energy and Water Plan for the period 2012-2017. During his tenure as Secretary of State for Energy, he led the coordination of the National Energy Security Plan and served as the coordinator of the Program for Strengthening Generation Capacity across the country. As Deputy Minister, he was entrusted with the coordination of the program aimed at enhancing power generation capacity for Luanda, with a specific target of increasing it by 300 MW.
During his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDEL from 2008 to 2010, Minister Borges assumed the responsibility of organizing and executing the restructuring of the organization, updating its Strategic Plan, and expanding EDEL’s service coverage to include the Bengo province. This strategic effort resulted in the formalization of previously illegal consumers and the outsourcing of services in peripheral areas of Luanda, leading to the attraction of 120,000 new clients within a span of three years.
In his capacity as Administrator and Deputy General Manager overseeing the Technical Area of EDEL, Minister Borges played a pivotal role in formulating the “EDEL Strategic Plan for 2002-2005.” He effectively coordinated all operational and maintenance activities within EDEL, managed various aspects of the public electricity supply service, represented EDEL in UPDEA (African Union of Electricity Producers and Distributors), and established collaborative agreements with various companies, including EDP, LIGHT, EDF, and others.
In his role as Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL-EP, Minister Borges assumed responsibility for the coordination of infrastructure projects, facilitated the restructuring efforts in the commercial sector, implemented the commercial system known as “Pegasus,” and oversaw the works area, including the execution of projects related to network extension and the connection of new clients.
Minister João Baptista Borges has actively engaged in numerous international events, where he has shared his insights, wealth of experience, leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment to critical issues associated with building a sustainable planet. Notable among these events are his participation in the 6th Annual Germany-Africa Energy Forum held in Hamburg from April 22 to 25, 2012, his involvement in the Consultative Meeting on Water Supply and Sanitation Situation in Angola and Namibia in February 2012, and his presence at the International Conference and International Fair on Energy and Water held from September 24 to 28, 2012.
Additionally, he played a significant role in the High-Level Roundtable of the SADC Infrastructure Investment Summit in Maputo on June 27, 2013, participated in the Meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for the Water Sector on May 30, 2013, and contributed to the Meeting of Ministers of ZANCOM and Hydrographic Management of the Zambezi Basin on May 30, 2013. Furthermore, he attended the International Conference on Hydraulic Technology in Israel from October 18 to 25, 2013, was actively involved in the International High-Level Conference on Water Cooperation held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on August 20 and 21, 2013, and served as a member of the Angola Namibia Bilateral Commission on March 10 and 11, 2014.
United Nations (UN):
João Baptista Borges, the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Angola, has established himself as an unwavering advocate for the realization of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.
Energy Transition Dialogue:
Participating actively in the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue that took place on March 28-29, Minister Borges delivered an exceptional address. He underscored Angola’s progress in the field of renewable energy, highlighting the country’s imminent capacity to export green hydrogen in the form of ammonia by 2025. This significant achievement, born out of collective efforts, distinctly reflects Borges’ leadership and his visionary role in shaping these objectives.
Decarbonisation of Industry:
Minister Borges also engaged in a panel discussion titled “Decarbonisation of Industry – Triumphs and Challenges of the Global Hydrogen Economy.” His participation showcased his unwavering dedication and commitment to climate objectives, ensuring the reliable supply of clean energy for a climate-friendly transition, particularly in Southern countries. He stressed the significance of implementing these measures with a strong emphasis on social equity.
UN Water Conference:
In his role as the Minister of Energy and Water, Minister Borges led the Angolan delegation to the UN Water Conference, held in New York City from March 22-24, 2023. Acting on behalf of President João Lourenço, he announced a substantial investment exceeding USD 4 billion for the five-year period from 2023 to 2027, aimed at addressing the water-related challenges in Angola, with specific attention to the southern regions. His eloquent articulation deeply resonated with the audience at the World Forum, as he expressed concerns regarding the recurring droughts in the south, leading to population displacement and significant human and material sacrifices, despite the country’s abundant water resources.
ESIAP and PDISA:
Minister João Baptista Borges also 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 this meeting, he provided updates on the ongoing projects funded by the World Bank and discussed the progress of ongoing 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:
Minister Borges played a pivotal role as the coordinator in the formulation of the “White Paper,” outlining the “Strategic Vision of the Government for the expansion of renewable energies.” Additionally, he led the coordination of drafting the statute for the Ministry of Energy and Water. Furthermore, he assumed the crucial role of representing Angola at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through the National Liaison Office (NLO), actively engaging with the global organization dedicated to promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing nuclear weapon proliferation.
