Angola is preparing to take the global stage at the upcoming COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where Minister João Baptista Borges will present the country’s national solar agenda and clean energy transition strategy.
This marks a pivotal moment for Angola’s international presence in climate diplomacy, as the country steps forward as a regional leader in renewable energy.
“Our commitment to solar energy is not just about climate — it’s about dignity, jobs, and opportunity for all Angolans.”
— Minister João Baptista Borges
The Solar Agenda: A Roadmap for a Sustainable Angola
Angola’s solar agenda is anchored in the Angola Energy 2025 Plan and includes:
- Deployment of over 1,000 MW of solar capacity in rural and peri-urban areas;
- Expansion of mini-grid solutions for off-grid communities;
- Introduction of green hydrogen pilot programs for long-term diversification.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Water, these projects are expected to reduce Angola’s carbon footprint by more than 30% by 2030 and electrify over 3 million new households.
Angola’s Role at COP30
Minister João Baptista Borges will participate in:
- A high-level panel on African energy transitions, hosted by the UN and IRENA;
- A bilateral session with Brazil and South Africa, focused on regional cooperation;
- The presentation of Angola’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which include renewable energy targets and investment frameworks.
Angola’s delegation will also host a side event titled:
“Energy Access as Climate Justice: The Angolan Model.”
Global Partnerships and Financing
Angola’s COP30 participation comes with strong backing from:
- The African Development Bank, supporting Angola’s Solar Clusters Program;
- KfW (Germany) and USAID, which are co-financing training and maintenance centers;
- Private sector partners, including Chinese and Emirati solar companies entering the Angolan market.
These partnerships are positioning Angola not only as a recipient of climate finance, but as a credible co-developer of clean energy solutions in the Global South.
A New Chapter in Angola’s Climate Diplomacy
João Baptista Borges has gradually repositioned Angola’s image from oil-dependent to climate-responsible.
His focus on results-driven diplomacy and technical credibility has been widely praised by international observers.
“Angola is now seen not just as a country in transition, but as one helping define what that transition looks like for Africa.”
— IRENA regional coordinator for Southern Africa