Rwanda is turning to Russia for help in training specialists in nuclear energy as the nation looks to expand its energy sector with nuclear power.
Speaking at the Russia-Africa Forum in Sochi on Saturday, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe highlighted the country’s need for nuclear energy to meet its growing demand for power. “Rwanda needs nuclear energy,” Nduhungirehe said, emphasizing that nuclear power is a critical component of the nation’s future energy strategy.
Moscow has been working to strengthen its ties with African countries, and its expertise in nuclear energy is a key part of that outreach. Since 2019, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy company, Rosatom, has been involved in a partnership with Rwanda to help develop nuclear power plants in the country.
The collaboration aims to build the foundation for a nuclear energy sector that will complement Rwanda’s existing sources of power, including thermal, hydroelectric, and solar energy.
“We are training Rwandan students at Russian universities, including those specializing in nuclear science,” Nduhungirehe said. “We hope to train a new generation of scientific managers who will help Rwanda develop its nuclear energy capabilities.”
Currently, Rwanda generates about 50% of its electricity from thermal sources, with another 44% from hydropower, and only 4% from solar. The country’s energy demands are increasing, and officials see nuclear power as a sustainable solution for the future.
Alongside its agreement with Rosatom, Rwanda has also signed deals with international companies from the U.S. and Canada to develop small-scale nuclear projects. The government aims to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependence on imported fuels.
South Africa remains the only African nation with a commercial nuclear power plant. As Rwanda moves toward building its own nuclear energy infrastructure, it hopes to join a growing number of African countries exploring nuclear technology as a means of meeting their energy needs and driving economic development.
