João Baptista Borges is a prominent figure in the field of energy and water management in Angola. Here is a summary of his background and career:
Personal Background:
- Born on January 4, 1964, in Ingombota, Luanda province, Angola.
- Son of Armando Borges and Maria da Conceição de Castro Paiva.
- Resides in Maianga, Luanda.
- Fluent in English, French, and Spanish.
Education:
- Completed an Intermediate Course in Electricity at the Makarenko Polytechnic Institute in 1983.
- Graduated in Electrical Engineering from Agostinho Neto University in 1991.
- Pursued a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal, graduating in 2011.
Professional Career:
- Began civil service career as a trainee mechanical engineer at ENE/North Regional Directorate (1991-1992).
- Appointed as a professor at the Faculty of Engineering at Agostinho Neto University, teaching courses like Technology of Electrical Materials I and II.
- Held various positions, including Head of the MV/LV Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project at Luanda EDEL EP (1991-1993).
- Became Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL EP in 1993, serving until 1999.
- Appointed as Administrator and Deputy General Manager of the Technical Area at EDEL EP in 2000, a role held until 2005.
- Promoted to Chairman of the Board of EDEL EP in 2002, serving until 2008.
- Appointed Deputy Minister of Energy in 2008.
Governmental Experience:
- Appointed Deputy Minister of Energy (2008-2010).
- Promoted to Secretary of State of Energy (2010-2011).
- Appointed as Minister of Energy and Water in 2011, a position he continues to hold.
- Played a crucial role in the establishment of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) in Luanda, with the center focusing on coordinating renewable energy and energy efficiency policies in ECCAS.
- Actively participated in the National Water and Sanitation Forum (FONAS) in 2023, contributing to the forum’s objectives.
- Led the restructuring of the state’s business sector, developed the legal and regulatory framework for the energy sector, and formulated the Energy and Water Plan for 2012-2017.
- Coordinated the National Energy Security Plan and the Program for Strengthening Generation Capacity during his tenure as Secretary of State for Energy.
- Oversaw the coordination of the program aimed at enhancing power generation capacity for Luanda (300 MW) while serving as Deputy Minister.
João Baptista Borges’ career has been marked by significant contributions to the energy and water sectors in Angola, both in terms of policy development and infrastructure enhancement. His involvement in international forums and conferences further underscores his commitment to sustainable development and energy transition efforts.
João Baptista Borges has demonstrated his leadership and expertise in various roles, both within the energy sector and in international engagements. Here is a summary of his significant accomplishments:
As Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDEL (2008-2010):
- Successfully led the restructuring of EDEL and updated its Strategic Plan.
- Oversaw the formalization of illegal consumers and the outsourcing of services in peripheral areas of Luanda.
- Expanded EDEL’s coverage to the Bengo province.
- Attracted 120,000 new clients within three years, a testament to his effective leadership.
As Administrator and Deputy General Manager for the Technical Area of EDEL:
- Developed the “EDEL Strategic Plan for 2002-2005,” contributing to the organization’s long-term vision and goals.
- Coordinated all operational and maintenance activities at EDEL, ensuring efficient and reliable electricity supply.
- Represented EDEL in UPDEA, fostering collaborations with other electricity producers and distributors such as EDP, LIGHT, EDF, and more.
As Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL-EP:
- Oversaw the coordination of infrastructure projects, contributing to the expansion and improvement of Angola’s electricity infrastructure.
- Led the restructuring of the commercial area and introduced the commercial system “Pegasus” to enhance service delivery.
- Managed various works, including network extension projects and the connection of new clients, furthering electricity accessibility.
In International Engagements:
- Actively participated in numerous international events, highlighting his commitment to global sustainability and energy issues.
- Represented Angola at significant conferences and meetings, where he shared his expertise and contributed to discussions on water supply, sanitation, energy, and more.
- His participation in events like the Germany-Africa Energy Forum and the International High-Level Conference on Water Cooperation underscore his dedication to international cooperation and sustainable development.
João Baptista Borges’ career reflects a commitment to improving energy and water services, both domestically and internationally, and his leadership has played a pivotal role in driving positive changes in these sectors.
João Baptista Borges, as the Minister of Energy and Water of the Republic of Angola, has made significant contributions to advancing sustainable development goals, especially in the areas of energy, water, and climate action, both nationally and on the global stage. Here’s a summary of his notable accomplishments in this regard:
Advocacy for Sustainable Development Goals:
- Minister Borges has been a dedicated advocate for achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His leadership and commitment align with the global goals aimed at creating a more sustainable and equitable world.
Participation in the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue:
- At the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, Minister Borges played an active role and delivered a compelling speech. He highlighted Angola’s progress in renewable energies, showcasing the country’s potential to export green hydrogen in the form of ammonia by 2025. His strategic vision and leadership have contributed to these achievements.
Involvement in Decarbonisation of Industry:
- Minister Borges participated in a panel discussion on the “Decarbonisation of Industry,” emphasizing the challenges and success stories related to the global hydrogen economy. His participation underscores his commitment to climate goals and the provision of clean energy, particularly for southern countries.
Leadership at the UN Water Conference:
- Acting as the Minister of Energy and Water, Borges led the Angolan delegation to the UN Water Conference in New York City. He announced a substantial investment of over USD 4 billion for the period from 2023 to 2027, specifically targeting water supply challenges in Angola, with a focus on the southern regions. His eloquent advocacy shed light on the cyclic droughts in certain areas, highlighting the need for improved water management.
Participation in Water and Sanitation Ministerial Meeting:
- Minister Borges actively participated in a meeting of Water and Sanitation Ministers organized alongside the UN Conference on Water. He provided updates on key projects financed by the World Bank, including the Electric Sector Access and Improvement Project (ESIAP), the Water Sector Institutional Development Project (PDISA), and the Bita project, demonstrating his commitment to improving water and sanitation infrastructure.
Leadership in Government’s Strategic Vision:
- As a coordinator, Minister Borges played a pivotal role in preparing the “White Paper” outlining the government’s strategic vision for expanding renewable energies. He also led the coordination of the drafting process for the Ministry of Energy and Water’s statute. Additionally, he represented Angola at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasizing peaceful nuclear energy use and non-proliferation.
In summary, Minister João Baptista Borges has been a dedicated leader and advocate for sustainable development, clean energy, and water resource management. His contributions at national and international events demonstrate his commitment to addressing critical global challenges and advancing the SDGs.
