Africa’s nuclear future gains traction amid investment and clean energy push

Africa’s nuclear power ambitions are receiving renewed momentum,as rising energy demands,climate goals,and investor interest converge.

At the recent Africa Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit in Kigali,Rwanda,leaders and experts emphasized nuclear power — particularly S Modular Reactors (SMRs) and micro-reactors — as a promising low-carbon solution for the continent’s energy deficit. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi pledged full support to African nations,highlighting the agency’s role in preparing bankable financing proposals and correcting misconceptions surrounding nuclear energy. “Until now,the doors for international finance institutions involved in any nuclear projects were closed. (But now) we are going to be helping countries in Africa prepare bankable nuclear financing documents,” Grossi said.

The summit spotlighted financing challenges,with Africa facing an annual $100 billion infrastructure gap. While the African Development Bank (ADB) has historically avoided nuclear funding due to high capital costs and long timelines,institutions like the World Bank are showing openness. Rwanda’s Minister of State for Public Investments,Tesi Rusagara,urged countries to tap domestic capital markets and regional partnerships to fund projects. Countries like Uganda,Tanzania,Kenya,and Egypt are already advancing nuclear plans. Uganda aims for 1GW by 2031,while Kenya’s plant in Siaya County has garnered local support. However,risks remain. High debt burdens,cost overruns,and past failures like South Africa’s cancelled expansion plan pose serious hurdles. Still,with global and regional momentum building,nuclear energy is steadily re-entering Africa’s energy conversation — not as an alternative,but a necessity.