Grossi is in Rwanda for the inaugural Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2025), a major event underway in Kigali that brings together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from over 30 countries to advance nuclear solutions for sustainable development.
During the meeting, President Kagame and Grossi discussed the transformative potential of nuclear energy in driving economic growth across the continent and reviewed the significant strides Rwanda has made toward the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Reactors. These technologies are part of Rwanda's broader energy diversification plan, designed to boost electricity production while minimising environmental impact.
Also on Tuesday, President Kagame met with Niger's Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, who is attending NEISA 2025. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and aligning on key continental priorities.
Rwanda is positioning itself to be among the few African nations with a nuclear-powered electricity plant by 2030, according to the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB). The country has been investing in nuclear energy for nearly seven years, including strategic partnerships with Russia, the United States, Germany, and Canada.
In 2024, Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding with Nano Nuclear Energy Inc., an American company, to deploy SMRs and microreactors. This followed a 2023 agreement with Dual Fluid Energy Inc., based in Germany and Canada, to test next-generation nuclear technologies on Rwandan soil.
The reactors Rwanda is pursuing require relatively small land footprints, 15 to 50 hectares, and are designed for high output without posing significant risks to nearby populations. These projects are expected to create up to 250 jobs across key operational categories.
RAEB CEO Dr. Fidel Ndahayo on Monday noted that Rwanda has already identified potential sites for the plant and is conducting detailed feasibility studies to evaluate environmental and safety factors.
"We now have a clear vision of our energy needs and how nuclear can address them," he said.
Rwanda has also prioritised human capital development in this sector. Over 200 students and RAEB staff have been sent abroad for specialised training, with additional cohorts expected to follow in partnership with countries such as Hungary, China, and South Korea. Domestic academic institutions, including the University of Rwanda, are set to launch nuclear education programs to strengthen local expertise.
At the summit's opening on Monday, Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente emphasised the urgency of scaling up nuclear solutions to meet Africa's rising energy demand, particularly as the continent's population is projected to surpass 3 billion within four decades.
With over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity, Ngirente said nuclear energy is important as a sustainable, low-carbon solution capable of ensuring energy security and supporting climate resilience across the continent.
Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore highlighted that Rwanda expects its first SMR to be in place by 2026, with operational readiness by 2028. He stressed that smaller nuclear plantsâ€"producing up to 100 MWâ€"are more practical for countries like Rwanda, both in terms of scale and safety.
NEISA 2025, organised in collaboration with international bodies such as the IAEA, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, World Nuclear Association, and Nuclear Energy Agency, aims to position nuclear power as a central pillar of Africa's sustainable development and energy independence.
With current national capacity at 406.4 MW, Rwanda's adoption of nuclear energy is expected to significantly boost the country's electricity generation, supporting industrialisation, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
