Luanda: The minister of Energy and Water, Joo Baptista Borges, and the Vice-President of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency of the World Bank (MIGA-WB), Junaid Kamal, convened in Luanda to discuss strengthening cooperation in the energy and water sectors. According to Angola Press News Agency, the meeting identified opportunities for developing new structuring projects in these sectors. The discussions took place during an audience granted by the Angolan government to a World Bank delegation, focusing on enhancing institutional dialogue and strategic cooperation between Angola and the World Bank. The conversation also reviewed ongoing projects in the energy and water sectors financed by the World Bank in Angola. The minister of Energy and Water outlined potential actions for deepening this strategic partnership and reviewed the majority of current projects, their progress, and prospects for expansion. The talks included the possibility of extending structuring initiatives, such as the Institution al Development Project for the Water Sector, with a transition to a third phase focusing on sanitation, and the potential second phase of the Bita project due to its strategic importance. In the water sector, Luanda was highlighted as a strategic priority due to its high population density, estimated at around 13 million inhabitants. The Bita project, currently in progress, is expected to significantly enhance the production and distribution of drinking water in the capital. Joo Baptista Borges also presented the RECLIMA project, an initiative aimed at climate resilience and combating drought effects, especially in the southern regions of Angola, reaffirming the country's commitment to adapting to climate change. In the electricity sector, the Angolan government emphasized strengthening private sector participation in electricity transmission and distribution, alongside ongoing legal reforms. The parties reiterated their commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation to achieve the strategic objecti ves of the Angolan Executive, focusing on improving living conditions and promoting sustainable development. The meeting included the Secretary of State for Energy, Arlindo Carlos, as well as senior officials from the sector. Junaid Kamal was accompanied by a high-level delegation of directors and specialist staff from MIGA-WB.
