Rwanda Advances Nuclear Energy Plan, Targets SMRs for Future Power Security

Rwanda has intensified plans to introduce nuclear energy into its national power supply by the early 2030s as part of efforts to strengthen energy security and support long-term economic growth.

The East African country is targeting nuclear energy to contribute more than 60 per cent of its total energy mix by 2050, a move aimed at reducing dependence on imported electricity and liquid fuels while ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply.

This followed the delivery of the final report of Rwanda’s Phase 1 Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which confirmed that the country is making steady progress toward establishing a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear energy programme.

The review marks a major milestone in Rwanda’s preparations to build the required infrastructure, regulatory framework and technical capacity needed for nuclear power deployment.

During the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit on Africa, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, met with Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, and signed a cooperation agreement with the country’s Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore.

The agreement is expected to strengthen local nuclear expertise and support the development of nuclear technologies in Rwanda, with particular focus on Small Modular Reactors.

SMRs are increasingly being considered by emerging economies as a flexible and modern solution for delivering reliable and clean electricity.

Rwanda said it expects to commission its first Small Modular Reactor in the 2030s.

Speaking on the development, President Kagame said energy security remains critical to Africa’s industrial growth and competitiveness, noting that nuclear energy would help reduce Rwanda’s dependence on costly fuel imports while improving long-term power reliability.

The development Spotlights a growing trend across Africa, where several countries are exploring nuclear power as part of broader energy transition and economic development strategies.

According to the IAEA, African countries now account for nearly half of all newcomer nations working with the agency on nuclear energy programmes, with at least 13 countries actively pursuing nuclear power initiatives.

Stakeholders at the summit stressed the urgent need for reliable, affordable and sustainable baseload electricity to support rapidly expanding sectors such as mining, manufacturing and digital infrastructure.

The African nuclear sector is also expected to benefit from improved international financing opportunities following a recent cooperation agreement between the IAEA and the World Bank.