Nuclear development in Africa: a strategic imperative for sustainable growth

Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its energy future. With its population expected to soar to 2.5 billion by 2050 and electricity demand projected to double by 2040, the continent faces an urgent need for reliable, scalable, and sustainable energy solutions. While Africa has abundant renewable energy potential, existing infrastructure, intermittent supply, and investment challenges limit the ability of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to fully meet these growing demands. Nuclear development in Africa, despite its complexity and high initial investment, offers a viable long-term solution by providing a stable, low-carbon, and highly efficient energy source.

Currently, South Africa is home to the continent’s only operational nuclear power plant, the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, located outside Cape Town. Constructed in the 1970s and operated by Eskom, Koeberg remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s energy mix and has recently been granted an operational extension until 2044. However, the landscape is shifting, with several African nations accelerating their nuclear ambitions, forming strategic alliances with global leaders in nuclear technology, and laying the regulatory groundwork necessary for safe and efficient implementation.

The emerging nuclear landscape in Africa

Africa’s nuclear aspirations are gaining momentum, with Egypt and Ghana at the forefront of the next phase of nuclear power development. Egypt’s El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, currently under construction by Russia’s Rosatom, is set to be the continent’s second operational nuclear power station. With an estimated cost of $28.75 billion, the plant will feature four VVER-1200 reactors and is expected to generate 4,800 MW of electricity once fully operational. Construction is progressing steadily, with completion of the first unit anticipated by 2028. The project represents a significant milestone in Africa’s nuclear journey, underscoring the growing role of international partnerships in advancing nuclear energy capabilities.

Ghana, meanwhile, is taking a different approach by embracing advanced U.S. nuclear technology. In August 2024, Ghana awarded its first nuclear power plant contract to NuScale Power, a U.S. company specializing in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The deployment of SMRs marks a shift toward more flexible, cost-effective, and scalable nuclear solutions that are particularly well-suited for African markets, where large-scale nuclear infrastructure may be financially or logistically impractical. Ghana’s move toward SMRs positions the country as a leader in nuclear innovation on the continent and signals a growing preference for modular nuclear technology that can be deployed incrementally to match demand.

Other African nations, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria, are actively exploring nuclear options. Uganda has entered agreements with Russia and South Korea to construct nuclear power stations with a combined capacity exceeding 15,000 MW, aimed at not only meeting domestic energy needs but also exporting electricity to neighboring countries. In Kenya, the government is working closely with the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) to develop a nuclear regulatory framework, while Rwanda has signed agreements with multiple international partners, including NANO Nuclear and Dual Fluid, to explore the potential deployment of microreactors and SMRs.

Geopolitical competition and international influence

The push for nuclear energy in Africa is not occurring in isolation but within the broader context of geopolitical competition between global nuclear powers. Russia, China, and the United States are all vying for influence in Africa’s energy sector, using nuclear technology as a strategic tool for economic and political engagement.

Russia has been particularly active in expanding its nuclear footprint on the continent, with Rosatom securing agreements with multiple African nations. In addition to Egypt’s El Dabaa project, Rosatom has signed nuclear cooperation agreements with Uganda, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Mali, and Burkina Faso, among others. These agreements often include provisions for infrastructure development, uranium mining, and workforce training, reinforcing Russia’s long-term commitment to Africa’s nuclear future.

China, while not as aggressive as Russia in nuclear power plant construction, has positioned itself as a key player in uranium mining and nuclear fuel supply. The China Atomic Energy Authority has provided training programs for African nuclear professionals and is supporting Uganda’s ambitions to build a 2,000 MW nuclear plant by 2031.

The United States, recognizing the strategic implications of Russia and China’s growing presence in Africa’s nuclear sector, has intensified its efforts to establish itself as a key partner in the continent’s nuclear development. The U.S.-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit, held in Nairobi in August 2024, saw the announcement of multiple agreements, including Ghana’s selection of NuScale Power’s SMR technology. The U.S. has also committed significant resources to nuclear education and workforce development in Africa, aiming to create a pipeline of skilled professionals who can support future nuclear deployments.

Challenges to nuclear development in Africa

Despite the growing interest in nuclear power, several significant challenges must be addressed to ensure the successful adoption and expansion of nuclear energy in Africa.

One of the most pressing obstacles is the high capital cost of nuclear power plants. The financial burden of constructing a large-scale nuclear facility is immense, often exceeding the GDP of many African nations. For example, the cost of Egypt’s El Dabaa project alone is more than double Rwanda’s entire annual GDP. To overcome this barrier, African nations must secure international financing, engage in public-private partnerships, and explore alternative nuclear technologies such as SMRs, which offer a lower-cost entry point into nuclear energy.

Regulatory and legal frameworks also present a significant challenge. The development of a nuclear energy sector requires robust regulatory oversight, adherence to international safety standards, and legal frameworks that ensure nuclear security, waste management, and environmental protection. Countries like Kenya and Uganda have made progress in strengthening their nuclear governance structures with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but many other nations still lack the institutional capacity to effectively regulate nuclear power.

Workforce development is another critical factor. The operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants require a highly skilled workforce, yet Africa faces a severe shortage of trained nuclear professionals. Russia, the U.S., and China have all launched initiatives to support nuclear education in Africa, but more investment is needed in local universities, vocational training programs, and knowledge transfer initiatives.

Public perception and political stability also influence the feasibility of nuclear projects. In many African countries, nuclear energy remains a controversial topic, often associated with safety concerns and fears of environmental consequences. Governments must engage in transparent communication and public education campaigns to build trust and demonstrate the benefits of nuclear power. Additionally, political instability in certain regions raises concerns about the security of nuclear infrastructure, particularly in areas affected by conflict or terrorism.

The role of SMRs in Africa’s nuclear future

As traditional large-scale nuclear power plants remain financially and logistically challenging for many African nations, SMRs have emerged as a promising alternative. These advanced reactors offer several advantages, including lower capital costs, modular scalability, and the ability to operate in remote or off-grid locations.

SMRs are particularly well-suited for Africa’s diverse energy landscape. They can provide stable electricity to urban centers while also serving as a decentralized power source for rural communities, industrial sites, and mining operations. Countries like Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya have already expressed interest in deploying SMRs, and international partnerships with companies like NuScale Power and NANO Nuclear are laying the groundwork for future deployments.

In addition to SMRs, microreactors—ultra-compact nuclear power systems—are being explored as a potential solution for remote regions, military installations, and data centers. These reactors, which require minimal infrastructure and can be rapidly deployed, could play a transformative role in Africa’s energy sector, providing clean and reliable power where traditional grid expansion is impractical.

Nuclear energy holds immense potential to transform Africa’s energy landscape, providing a reliable, low-carbon solution to the continent’s growing electricity demand. While challenges remain, the increasing interest in nuclear power—driven by international partnerships, technological advancements, and economic necessity—suggests that Africa’s nuclear renaissance is on the horizon.

As countries like Egypt, Ghana, and Uganda take the lead in nuclear development, the success of these projects will serve as a blueprint for other African nations seeking to integrate nuclear energy into their energy mix. Whether through large-scale nuclear plants, SMRs, or microreactors, the strategic deployment of nuclear technology has the power to drive industrial growth, enhance energy security, and support sustainable development across the continent. Africa’s nuclear future is not a question of if, but when—and the decisions made today will shape the energy landscape for generations to come.