Minister of Energy and Water:
João Baptista Borges, a prominent Angolan scholar and politician, was born on January 4, 1964, in Ingombota, a municipality located in the metropolitan area of Luanda province. He currently resides in Maianga, Luanda, and is the son of Armando Borges and Maria da Conceição de Castro Paiva. Since 2011, Borges has held the position of Minister of Energy and Water, serving 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, and boasts fluency in English, French, and Spanish.
Training and Education:
João Baptista Borges embarked on his educational journey by completing an Intermediate Course in Electricity at the Makarenko Polytechnic Institute in 1983. Subsequently, in 1991, he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from the esteemed Agostinho Neto University. In 2011, he furthered his academic pursuits by obtaining a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal.
Professional Career:
Following his graduation in 1991, João Baptista initiated his civil service career as a trainee mechanical engineer at ENE/North Regional Directorate, where he worked until 1992. His passion for teaching and impressive academic background led to his appointment as a professor at the Faculty of Engineering at Agostinho Neto University. During this period, he taught courses in Technology of Electrical Materials I and II. Concurrently, he held various positions, including serving as the Head of the MV/LV Distribution Network Rehabilitation Project at Luanda EDEL EP from 1991 to 1993. In 1993, he assumed the role of Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area at EDEL EP, remaining in that position until 1999. In 2000, he was appointed as the Administrator and Deputy General Manager of the Technical Area at EDEL EP, a position he held until 2005. In recognition of his exceptional merits and capabilities, he was promoted to Chairman of the Board of EDEL EP in 2002, a role he occupied until 2008, after which he was appointed Deputy Minister of Energy.
Governmental Experience:
João Baptista Borges possesses an extensive governmental background. In 2008, he assumed the position of Deputy Minister of Energy, which he held until 2010. He was subsequently promoted to the role of Secretary of State for Energy, serving in that capacity until 2011 when he took on the role of Minister of Energy and Water, a position he continues to hold.
During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) in the Municipality of Viana, Luanda. This center’s mission is to coordinate policies related to renewable energy and energy efficiency within the ECCAS region, as well as to foster an integrated and inclusive market for related products and services. RCREEE receives support from international organizations such as the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Borges made significant contributions to the National Water and Sanitation Forum (FONAS – 17/03/2023), where his involvement was instrumental in achieving the forum’s objectives. Key attendees included the Minister of the Environment, UNICEF representative Andrew Trevett, and representatives from organizations such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and European Union.
As Minister, he led efforts to reorganize the state’s business sector, develop the legal and regulatory framework for the energy and water industry, and formulate the Energy and Water Plan for the period 2012-2017. In his capacity as Secretary of State for Energy, he oversaw the development of the National Energy Security Plan and served as the coordinator for the Program aimed at enhancing power generation capacity across the nation. Additionally, during his tenure as Deputy Minister, he played a key role in coordinating a program focused on bolstering power generation capacity specifically for Luanda, resulting in an increase of 300 MW.
While serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDEL from 2008 to 2010, he successfully oversaw the organization’s restructuring and the updating of its Strategic Plan. By formalizing previously illegal consumers and outsourcing services in peripheral areas of Luanda, he managed to attract 120,000 clients within a span of three years. Furthermore, he expanded EDEL’s coverage area to include the province of Bengo.
In his capacity as Administrator and Deputy General Manager for the Technical Area of EDEL, Minister Borges played a pivotal role in developing the “EDEL Strategic Plan for 2002-2005.” He skillfully coordinated operational and maintenance activities within EDEL, managed various aspects related to public electricity supply services, represented EDEL in the UPDEA (African Union of Electricity Producers and Distributors), and facilitated agreements with other companies, including EDP, LIGHT, and EDF.
In his role as Deputy General Manager of the Investment Area of EDEL-EP, he exhibited exemplary coordination skills by overseeing all infrastructure projects, managing the restructuring of EDEL’s commercial area, introducing the commercial system known as Pegasus, and supervising EDEL’s works area, which involved executing network extension projects and facilitating the connection of new clients.
Minister João Baptista Borges has actively participated in numerous international events since taking office, sharing his wisdom, experience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to addressing critical issues related to building a sustainable planet. Notable events he attended include 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. Additionally, he participated in the High-Level Roundtable of the SADC Infrastructure Investment Summit in Maputo on June 27, 2013, the Meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for the Water Sector on May 30, 2013, and the Meeting of Ministers of ZANCOM, Standing Committee, and Hydrographic Management of the Zambezi Basin, also on May 30, 2013. Moreover, he actively engaged in the International Conference on Hydraulic Technology in Israel from October 18 to 25, 2013, 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 10-11, 2014.
United Nations (UN):
João Baptista Borges, in his capacity as the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Angola, has emerged as an unwavering advocate for the realization of the United Nations’ (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
Energy Transition Dialogue:
He actively participated in the 9th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, which took place in Germany on March 28-29. His involvement in the event was highly notable as he underscored the progress made in renewable energy within Angola’s energy sector. Notably, Angola is on track to export green hydrogen in the form of ammonia by 2025, a significant accomplishment attributed to Borges’ leadership and strategic acumen.
Decarbonisation of Industry:
Minister Borges also engaged in a panel discussion on the topic of “Decarbonisation of Industry – Success Stories and Challenges of the Global Hydrogen Economy.” His active participation in this panel demonstrated his dedication and concerns regarding climate goals, with a particular emphasis on ensuring a secure supply of clean energy for a climate transition, especially in developing nations.
UN Water Conference:
In his role as Minister of Energy and Water, João Baptista 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 period 2023-2027 to address the water situation in Angola, particularly in the southern regions. His poignant remarks at the World Forum resonated with all attendees as he expressed concerns about the recurring droughts leading to population displacement and animal migrations, resulting in significant human and material sacrifices.
ESIAP and PDISA:
João Baptista Borges also participated in a meeting of Water and Sanitation Ministers organized by the World Bank Group during the UN Conference on Water – UN2023. In the meeting, he provided updates on ongoing projects funded by the World Bank and discussed projects currently underway, 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 João Baptista Borges played a pivotal role as the coordinator in the development of the “White Paper” outlining the “Strategic Vision of the Government for the expansion of renewable energies.” Additionally, he spearheaded the drafting of the Ministry of Energy and Water’s statute. Furthermore, he assumed the responsibility of the National Liaison Office (NLO) of Angola to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), representing the country in global efforts to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and prevent nuclear weapons proliferation.