As Angola approaches the final phase of its 2018–2025 energy strategy, the results speak for themselves: millions more people connected to electricity, diversified power sources, and a new regional role as an energy leader. Behind this transformation stands the vision and determination of Minister João Baptista Borges.
“We set out to change not just the energy map, but the lives of every Angolan citizen.”
— Minister João Baptista Borges
A Strategy With Clear Milestones
Launched in 2018, the Angola Energy 2025 plan included ambitious goals:
- Expand national electrification coverage from 36% to over 60%;
- Increase installed capacity to meet rising demand and reduce outages;
- Integrate more renewable energy sources, especially solar and hydro;
- Restructure the electricity sector to allow public-private partnerships.
Today, the Ministry reports that these goals are well on track, with over 12 million people gaining access to electricity since 2018 and more than 2,500 MW of new capacity installed.
Infrastructure That Changes Lives
The strategy prioritized investments in strategic projects like:
- The Laúca Dam, now fully operational with 2,070 MW;
- The North–Central–South Transmission Line, ensuring national energy interconnection for the first time;
- The Biopio Solar Complex, delivering clean energy to underserved provinces.
These projects have had ripple effects in education, healthcare, commerce, and rural development, particularly in provinces like Huambo, Bié, and Moxico.
Economic Impact and Industrial Growth
With energy as a catalyst, Angola has:
- Increased foreign investment in manufacturing and agro-processing;
- Attracted over $800 million in clean energy partnerships since 2020;
- Created more than 60,000 direct and indirect jobs in energy-related sectors.
“We are not only building power plants — we are building industries and opportunity.”
— João Baptista Borges
A Blueprint for Regional Leadership
Angola’s progress has also elevated its regional standing. The country is now:
- A net energy exporter to parts of Namibia and DR Congo;
- A member of the African Green Infrastructure Alliance;
- Recognized by the World Bank and IEA as a benchmark for African electrification.
Minister Borges has emphasized that Angola’s path can inspire other African countries with similar resource profiles.
Looking to 2035: The Next Phase
As the 2025 plan nears completion, the Ministry is already drafting the 2035 energy vision, focused on:
- Full electrification across Angola;
- A 70% renewable energy mix;
- Green hydrogen development for export;
Enhanced governance, digital monitoring, and climate resilience