Nuclear energy: Africa seeks to increase its sources of electricity.

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah: 

During her participation in the NEISA 2026 Africa Nuclear Innovation Summit, the President of the Republic visited TanzaniaDr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the exhibitors held at the summit, during the meeting of heads of state and government within the activities of (NEISA), which was held in Kigali, Rwanda, on May 19, 2026.

The international conference brings together energy experts, investors and international organizations to discuss the use of nuclear energy in the development of the African continent.

Exploring the best ways to increase access to electricity in Africa

The meeting also aims to explore the best ways to increase access to electricity in Africa, reduce environmental pollution, support industrial development, promote innovation in nuclear energy technologies, and attract investors to energy projects.

From May 18 to 21, 2026, Rwanda will host the NEISA 2026 Summit, which brings together experts, policymakers, scientists, and energy sector stakeholders to discuss the future of nuclear science and technology in Africa. Some countries still view nuclear discussions as distant or politically sensitive topics.

In Rwanda, the discussion has become more practical, amid talks on how advanced technology can help solve real problems in the areas of energy, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial research and development.

Hosting the summit is not just about gaining prestige or international exposure, but reflects Rwanda’s broader ambition to establish itself as a country that participates in serious global dialogues on technology, infrastructure and long-term development.

With Africa's growing population and the continued rise in demand for electricity, healthcare services, industrial production, and scientific capabilities, many governments are being forced to think outside the box of traditional systems.

Rwanda is no exception. The country has invested heavily for years in digital transformation, innovation, education, and modern infrastructure. However, economic growth also creates pressures: more industries require a stable electricity supply; hospitals need better diagnostic and treatment technologies; and universities need stronger research capabilities.

Agriculture also needs to become more efficient in the face of climate and land pressures, and these are some of the areas where nuclear science and technology are increasingly entering the debate.

Consulting in the field of nuclear energy

In the case of Rwanda, the development of nuclear energy is not limited to power generation, but also includes medical applications such as cancer diagnosis and treatment, industrial testing, food preservation technologies, water resource management, and scientific research.

In many developing countries, nuclear technology is already being quietly used in sectors that directly affect daily life, even when there are no nuclear power plants involved.

Energy remains one of the most important long-term challenges facing the region, and Africa continues to face increasing demand for electricity as it seeks to balance affordability, industrial growth, and environmental considerations.

Rwanda has significantly expanded access to electricity over the years, but future economic ambitions will require more reliable and diversified energy sources.

However, the available domestic power sources (650-700 MW) are insufficient in the long term to meet the demand for generation capacity ranging between 2.5 and 4.5 GW by 2050, and nuclear power is expected to account for 60% of the power supply by 2050.

Against this backdrop, Rwanda plans to deploy its first small modular reactor (SMR) by the early 2030s, seeking to move beyond traditional energy sources, secure a stable energy supply for growing industries, and reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels.