Pathways to sustainable development: an overview of the progress and obstacles of hydroelectric power production in Angola.

This article examines the historical development and current state of Angola's hydroelectric energy sector within its political and economic context. It traces the sector’s origins during Portuguese colonial rule, the extensive damage sustained during Angola’s civil war (1975–2002), and subsequent reconstruction efforts, including the government-led "Angola Energia 2025" program aimed at expanding and modernizing hydroelectric infrastructure. The article also analyzes Angola’s regulatory framework for electricity, highlighting key laws and institutions such as the Ministry of Energy and Water (MINEA) and the Regulatory Institute for Electricity Services and Water Supply and Sanitation of Wastewater (IRSEA). Additionally, it explores regional cooperation through the Baynes Binational Hydroelectric Power Plant project on the Angola–Namibia border, which is expected to generate approximately 600 MW and enhance energy security, regional integration, and sustainable development for both countries.