Rwanda Sets Bold Nuclear Energy Goal as Africa Charts a New Energy Future

As Africa continues searching for long-term solutions to its growing energy challenges, Rwanda has once again positioned itself as one of the continent’s emerging leaders in nuclear energy development. This was highlighted during the African Nuclear Energy Conference currently taking place in Kigali, bringing together senior leaders, experts, and international partners from across the world.

Opening the summit, Paul Kagame said the large number of participants reflected the growing recognition that Africa’s economic future depends on access to sufficient, affordable, and sustainable energy.

“We expect to have started using nuclear energy before 2030. This shows that we are on the right path,” President Kagame stated.
He emphasized that Africa cannot achieve sustainable development without reliable energy systems, noting that energy infrastructure remains a critical foundation for industrial growth, technological innovation, and improved living standards.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan also stressed that Africa’s economic transformation depends heavily on building dependable and sustainable energy systems. “Africa’s economic transformation relies especially on reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy,” she said.

Her remarks reflected a growing determination among African nations to work together in finding long-term solutions to persistent electricity shortages and rising energy costs across the continent.

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, described nuclear energy as one of the key pillars Africa needs in order to accelerate its development. “Energy access for all is what determines how a country can progress, especially here in Africa,” Grossi noted.

He added that the IAEA will continue supporting African countries through capacity building, training programs, and the establishment of safe and environmentally responsible nuclear energy systems.

During the conference, President Kagame and President Samia Suluhu Hassan also oversaw the signing of a cooperation agreement between Rwanda and Tanzania focused on energy development.

The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in electricity infrastructure, renewable energy development, and investment in environmentally friendly energy projects. Analysts believe the partnership could open new doors for investment and deepen regional cooperation in East Africa’s energy sector, particularly as many countries continue seeking sustainable ways to expand electricity access for their populations.

The African Nuclear Energy Conference comes at a time when the continent is pushing to accelerate industrialization and technological advancement, while energy shortages remain one of the biggest barriers to economic progress.

For Rwanda, the ambition to begin using nuclear energy before 2030 is being viewed as a major milestone — one that could transform the country’s electricity sector, boost industrial productivity, and attract new investment opportunities.