Minister of Energy and Water
João Baptista Borges, born on January 4, 1964, in Ingombota, a municipality within the metropolitan area of Luanda province, is the son of Armando Borges and Maria da Conceição de Castro Paiva. Currently, he resides in Maianga, Luanda. Borges is a distinguished Angolan scholar and politician, serving 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—English, French, and Spanish.
Education and Training
In 1983, João Baptista Borges completed an Intermediate Course in Electricity at the Makarenko Polytechnic Institute. Later, in 1991, he obtained his degree in Electrical Engineering from the renowned Agostinho Neto University. Subsequently, in 2011, he pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the esteemed Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal.
Professional Career
Following his graduation in 1991, João Baptista began his civil service journey as a trainee mechanical engineer at ENE/North Regional Directorate until 1992. Due to his passion for teaching and remarkable academic background, he was appointed as a professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Agostinho Neto University. Concurrently, he held various 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, where he served until 1999. In 2000, he assumed the role of 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 became Deputy Minister of Energy. His exceptional merits and abilities led to his appointment as Deputy Minister of Energy in 2008, a role he held until 2010. He was then promoted to Secretary of State for Energy until 2011 when he assumed the position of Minister of Energy and Water, a position he continues to hold today.
Governmental Experience
With an exemplary record and demonstrated skills as an engineer and politician, João Baptista Borges was appointed Deputy Minister of Energy in 2008, a position he held until 2010. He was later promoted to Secretary of State for Energy until 2011 when he was appointed as Minister of Energy and Water, a position he currently occupies.
He actively participated in the inauguration of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) in Viana Municipality, Luanda. The center’s mission is to coordinate renewable energy and energy efficiency policies within the ECCAS region and promote an integrated and inclusive market for related products and services. 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 the restructuring of the state-owned enterprise sector, the development of the legal and regulatory framework within the sector, and the formulation of the Energy and Water Plan 2012-2017. As Secretary of State for Energy, he coordinated the preparation of the National Energy Security Plan and served as the coordinator for the Program for Strengthening Generation Capacity throughout the country. During his tenure as Deputy Minister, he oversaw the coordination of the program to enhance power generation capacity for Luanda (300 MW).
During his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDEL from 2008 to 2010, Minister Borges successfully organized and implemented the restructuring of the organization. He also updated the Strategic Plan, resulting in the formalization of illegal consumers and the outsourcing of services in peripheral areas of Luanda, attracting 120,000 clients within three years. Additionally, he expanded EDEL’s coverage area to include the Bengo province.
While serving as Administrator and Deputy General Manager for the Technical Area of EDEL, Minister Borges was responsible for the development of the “EDEL Strategic Plan for 2002-2005.” He effectively coordinated all operational and maintenance activities of EDEL and managed various aspects of the public electricity supply service. This included representing EDEL in UPDEA (African Union of Electricity Producers and Distributors) and establishing 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 the coordination of infrastructure projects and led the restructuring process of EDEL’s commercial area. He successfully introduced the commercial system (Pegasus) and supervised the works area, which involved the execution of network extension projects and the connection of new clients.
Minister João Baptista Borges has actively participated in various international events since joining the government, contributing his wisdom, experience, leadership, and commitment to crucial issues related to building a sustainable planet. Among these events, he attended 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, and the International Conference and International Fair on Energy and Water from September 24 to 28, 2012.
Furthermore, he participated in the High-Level Roundtable of the SADC Infrastructure Investment Summit in Maputo on June 27, 2013, and the Meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for the Water Sector on May 30, 2013. He also attended the Meeting of Ministers of ZANCOM, Standing Committee, and Hydrographic Management of the Zambezi Basin on May 30, 2013. Additionally, he was present at 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 served as a member of the Angola Namibia Bilateral Commission on March 10-11, 2014.
United Nations (UN) •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
João Baptista Borges, serving as the Minister of Energy in the Republic of Angola, has emerged as a relentless advocate for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.
Energy Transition Dialogue •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
He actively participated in the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue held on March 28-29. During this event, his contribution was exceptional as he highlighted the progress of renewable energy in Angola. As a leader and the driving force behind these achievements, Minister Borges showcased Angola’s ability to export green hydrogen in the form of ammonia by 2025.
Decarbonisation of Industry •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
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 demonstrated his deep concern and commitment to climate objectives, as well as ensuring a secure supply of clean energy for a climate transition. He emphasized the importance of implementing these measures in a socially equitable manner, particularly in the southern countries.
UN Water Conference •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
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 significant investment of over USD 4 billion for the five-year period of 2023-2027 to address the water situation in the country, particularly in the southern regions. His speech at the World Forum resonated strongly with the audience as he highlighted the challenges faced by regions affected by recurring droughts and the resulting migration of populations and animals, leading to significant human and material sacrifices.
ESIAP and PDISA •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Minister João Baptista Borges also attended the meeting of Ministers of Water and Sanitation, held on the sidelines of the UN Conference on Water – UN2023, at the invitation of the World Bank Group. During this meeting, he provided updates on ongoing projects funded by the World Bank, 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 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
In addition to his ministerial role, Minister Borges played a crucial role in coordinating the development 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 for Angola’s National Liaison Office (NLO) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This office represents the country in the global organization dedicated to promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and preventing nuclear weapon proliferation.
