María Nohemí Arboleda appointed Colombia's Minister of Mines and Energy

President‑elect Abelardo De La Espriella named engineer María Nohemí Arboleda Arango as Colombia's new Minister of Mines and Energy, with the appointment taking effect on 7 August 2026. Arboleda brings more than three decades of experience in the Colombian electricity sector, most recently serving as general manager of XM, the operator of the national interconnected system and wholesale energy market.

The incoming cabinet signals a shift toward “energy sovereignty,” prioritising the reliability of the power grid, lowering high electricity tariffs in the Caribbean region, and reviving exploration of oil and gas, including the possible use of fracking in traditional hydrocarbon basins. The administration also announced broader administrative cuts to reduce the size of the state. Arboleda is expected to coordinate with the ministries of Defence, Environment and Finance to protect energy infrastructure, attract investment, and advance renewable projects while maintaining a focus on domestic hydrocarbon production.

The appointment has been welcomed by industry groups that view her technical background as essential for restoring investor confidence and ensuring energy security for Colombia's economy.