Rwanda and Tanzania on Tuesday signed a bilateral agreement to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, with both countries emphasizing nuclear power as a potential driver of long-term development.
The agreement focuses on enhancing collaboration in key energy areas, including electricity infrastructure, renewable energy and environmentally sustainable power systems.
It was signed in Kigali during a ceremony attended by President Paul Kagame and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The agreement was formally signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore and Tanzania’s Minister of Energy Deogratius Ndejembi.
The signing took place after bilateral talks between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA), which is being held in Kigali and runs through May 21. The summit has brought together more than 1,200 participants from across Africa and beyond.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan praised Kagame for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, noting that Africa has lagged in the development of nuclear technology despite its potential benefits.
She said Africa’s economic growth depends on access to clean, affordable and sustainable energy, pointing to rising demand from expanding industries, mining, infrastructure development and digital services. She added that nuclear energy could provide a long-term solution to the continent’s growing energy needs.
President Kagame said Africa’s development agenda requires reliable and sufficient energy, describing nuclear power as a foundation for industrial growth and global competitiveness.
“It is the foundation of industrial development and competitiveness in the international market,” he said.
He added that modern manufacturing, mineral processing, digital infrastructure and advanced health care systems all depend on dependable electricity supply.
Beyond the energy agreement, Rwanda and Tanzania reaffirmed their broader bilateral relationship, which includes cooperation in economic, political and security sectors.
Kagame visited Tanzania earlier this month, where he was received by President Samia Suluhu Hassan for talks aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.
During those discussions, the leaders focused on expanding trade and transport links and advancing joint infrastructure projects. They also reviewed progress on major initiatives, including the planned Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Isaka and Kigali.
