Angola’s Minister of Energy and Water, João Baptista Borges, stated during the closing ceremony of the 15th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) held in Macau, China, that Angola is making progress in electricity provision, with an increasing emphasis on renewable energy sources, though it still faces significant challenges.
While participating in the forum, which was centered around the theme “Green Innovation – Digital Connectivity,” Minister Borges delivered a speech on Energy Transition, emphasizing the significance of new energy sources, strategies, and missions to boost the development of high-quality productive forces.
Borges highlighted that Angola acknowledges climate change as one of the greatest global challenges, directly impacting the economic and social life of nations. The country has approved the National Climate Change Strategy 2021-2035, aimed at meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement and aligning with sustainable development targets such as the Africa Agenda 2063 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The minister underscored Angola’s commitment to reducing carbon intensity in electricity production by 2025 and noted additional initiatives in sustainable forest management, transportation, and agriculture. He also mentioned climate projects aimed at building community resilience and safeguarding economic and social investments. Currently, 64% of Angola’s energy matrix is derived from clean energy sources.
The Energy Sector Action Plan for 2023-2027, aligned with the Agenda 2050, targets an increase in renewable energy sources to 72% by 2027, with a focus on expanding solar energy and raising the electrification rate to 50%. This will require an estimated investment of $12 billion, with a key role played by the private sector and financial institutions.
The minister highlighted the completion of important projects, such as the solar plants in Biópio, Luena, Baía Farta, and Saurimo, which are expected to be operational by 2024, alongside others currently in advanced stages of construction. He also stressed the importance of cooperation with China, which is leading the Global Energy Transition through investments in solar energy and electromobility, offering potential benefits to Angola in terms of investment and financing.
The event was attended by Angolan officials, including the Consul General of Angola in Macau and other senior representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Water.
