Rwanda Accelerates Nuclear Energy Plans as IAEA Strengthens Africa Partnership

Rwanda has taken a major step toward becoming one of Africa’s emerging nuclear energy nations after hosting the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit on Africa, where leaders and global energy experts gathered to discuss the future of nuclear power on the continent. The summit, held in Kigali, brought together governments, regulators, financiers and international organizations to explore how nuclear technology can support Africa’s industrial growth, energy security and sustainable development.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi participated in the high-level event alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of Togo.

The summit highlighted Africa’s growing interest in nuclear energy as countries seek reliable and low-carbon power solutions capable of supporting rapidly expanding economies, urbanization and industrialization.

Rwanda Receives Key IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Report

During his visit, Mr Grossi held discussions with President Paul Kagame regarding Rwanda’s ambitious plans to develop nuclear power infrastructure and integrate nuclear energy into the country’s long-term energy strategy.

A major milestone of the visit was the delivery of the final report of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission conducted by the IAEA. The report evaluates Rwanda’s preparedness for establishing a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power programme.

The INIR review is considered an essential step for countries planning to introduce nuclear energy, as it assesses areas including legal frameworks, regulatory systems, human resource development, safety measures and national infrastructure readiness.

President Kagame welcomed the successful completion of the Phase 1 INIR process and reaffirmed Rwanda’s determination to move forward with nuclear energy development.

“Rwanda is pleased to have successfully completed the IAEA’s Phase 1 Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR). We intend to have nuclear energy operational by the early 2030s, and this assessment confirms that we are on track,” President Kagame stated.

He emphasized that energy remains central to Africa’s economic transformation and competitiveness.

“For Africa, energy is not simply a development issue. It is the foundation of industrial growth and competitiveness,” he added.

Rwanda Targets Nuclear Energy Expansion by 2050

Rwanda’s long-term energy policy positions nuclear power as a critical component of a diversified energy mix aimed at reducing dependence on imported electricity and fossil fuels.

The country has set an ambitious target of generating more than 60 percent of its electricity from nuclear energy by 2050. Rwanda plans to commission its first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) during the 2030s, making it one of the first African countries to deploy the emerging technology.

SMRs are considered particularly attractive for developing economies because they are smaller, more flexible and potentially more affordable than traditional large nuclear reactors. They can also be deployed incrementally to meet growing energy demand.

To strengthen cooperation, Mr Grossi signed an agreement with Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore focused on integrating nuclear energy into Rwanda’s energy system and supporting the development of SMRs.

The agreement also includes collaboration in infrastructure development, technical expertise and regulatory preparedness.

Africa Increasingly Turns to Nuclear Energy

The Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit demonstrated the rapidly growing interest in nuclear power across Africa. According to the IAEA, African countries currently account for nearly half of all newcomer nations working with the agency on nuclear energy programmes.

At least 13 African countries are actively pursuing nuclear power initiatives as they seek reliable baseload electricity to support economic growth, industrialization and expanding populations.

Energy demand across the continent is rising sharply due to urbanization, digital transformation, mining expansion and manufacturing growth. Many African governments view nuclear power as a long-term solution capable of delivering stable, low-carbon electricity at scale.

Speaking at the summit, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stressed that Africa’s energy future should be driven by African leadership and priorities.

“Africa’s energy future will be built by Africans, and the IAEA is ready to continue supporting countries across the continent, from infrastructure development and capacity building to new technologies such as SMRs,” Mr Grossi said.

Tanzania Expands Cooperation with the IAEA

During the summit, Mr Grossi also met Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to discuss expanding cooperation between Tanzania and the IAEA across several sectors.

The discussions covered healthcare, food security and energy infrastructure development. Tanzania has been working closely with the IAEA under flagship initiatives such as Rays of Hope and Atoms4Food.

The Rays of Hope initiative focuses on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment services in developing countries, while Atoms4Food supports the use of nuclear science and technology to strengthen agricultural productivity and food security.

President Hassan highlighted the growing importance of stable electricity supplies as Africa’s economies modernize.

“Africa’s economic transformation depends fundamentally on reliable, affordable and sustainable energy systems,” she said during the summit.

She noted that the continent’s expanding digital infrastructure, manufacturing industries and mining operations are increasing demand for dependable baseload power generation.

Small Modular Reactors Gain Global Attention

A major theme of the summit was the increasing global interest in Small Modular Reactors and micro-reactors as next-generation energy solutions.

SMRs are seen as especially suitable for developing regions because they require smaller upfront investments, offer enhanced safety features and can be deployed in remote or smaller grid systems.

Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers of Togo, said global attitudes toward nuclear energy have changed significantly in recent years.

“Civil nuclear power – and in particular small modular reactors and micro-reactors – are no longer a distant prospect,” he stated.

He also pointed to the growing international support for nuclear financing and clean energy technologies.

“The World Bank has lifted its long-standing ban on financing nuclear power. The COP and financial institutions have endorsed this technology. Because it has changed, and because the context has changed too. It is now up to us to change our perspective,” he added.

New Financing Opportunities Emerging for Africa’s Nuclear Ambitions

Africa’s nuclear ambitions received an important boost in 2025 when the IAEA and the World Bank signed a cooperation agreement focused on nuclear energy for development.

The partnership is expected to open new financing opportunities for African countries pursuing nuclear energy projects, particularly as international institutions increasingly recognize nuclear power’s role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable development.

Financing has historically been one of the biggest barriers to nuclear energy development in Africa due to the high costs associated with infrastructure, regulatory systems and technical expertise.

However, the rise of SMRs and broader global acceptance of nuclear energy as part of climate solutions are beginning to shift investment dynamics.

Nuclear Energy Seen as Key to Africa’s Economic Transformation

As African economies continue to grow, energy shortages remain one of the continent’s biggest obstacles to industrial development and economic competitiveness.

Many countries still struggle with unreliable electricity supplies, high energy costs and limited access to modern power infrastructure. Experts say these constraints affect manufacturing, digital services, healthcare systems and investment opportunities.

Supporters of nuclear energy argue that reliable baseload power from nuclear plants could help Africa accelerate industrialization while meeting climate commitments and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The Kigali summit underscored how nuclear energy is increasingly being viewed not only as a technological option but also as a strategic economic development tool for Africa’s future.

With Rwanda positioning itself at the forefront of nuclear innovation on the continent, the country’s progress may become a model for other African nations exploring advanced energy technologies to drive long-term growth and sustainability.