Rwanda is accelerating efforts to position nuclear energy as a long-term pillar of its industrialisation strategy, with officials framing it as a critical solution to future energy demand and economic transformation.

From powering industries and data centres to strengthening cancer treatment, agriculture and scientific research, the country’s nuclear roadmap is being aligned with Vision 2050 and its ambition to build a knowledge-based, industrial economy.

The ambitions are drawing attention as Kigali hosts the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA) from May 19–21.

The summit, held under the theme "Powering Africa’s Future: Turning Nuclear Energy Ambition into Investable Reality,” brings together African leaders, policymakers, scientists and global energy stakeholders to explore investment and technology pathways for nuclear energy on the continent.

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The long-term game

According to the Chairman of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), Lassina Zerbo, the country has already made significant progress in building the institutional foundations needed for a nuclear programme.

He pointed to investments in human capacity development, infrastructure planning and pre-feasibility studies as signs of Rwanda’s growing preparedness.

"Rwanda’s approach stands out in Africa because the government has gone as far as financing key early-stage studies, a step that has placed the country ahead in terms of readiness and planning,” he told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency.

The country is pursuing nuclear energy as part of a diversified energy mix aimed at providing a stable power source capable of supporting long-term industrial and digital growth.

Officials say existing energy sources, including hydropower, methane gas and solar, will not be sufficient on their own to meet future demand as the country expands.

Government projections estimate that Rwanda will require between 2.5 and 4.5 gigawatts of installed electricity capacity by 2050, far above current levels.

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In response to growing energy demand, Rwanda is focusing on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, which is considered more suitable for smaller grids and phased deployment.

SMRs require less upfront infrastructure compared to traditional nuclear plants, allowing capacity to be built gradually as demand increases.

A pre-feasibility study completed in 2024 identified potential sites for development, with further technical assessments currently ongoing.

Zerbo said the decision to prioritise SMRs reflects the realities of Africa’s energy infrastructure and electricity grids.

"Conventional nuclear reactors require large and highly developed electricity grids, which many African countries do not currently have. SMRs, however, are better suited to smaller grids and can be deployed in phases as demand grows,” he said.

"Rwanda has therefore chosen SMRs and microreactors at an early stage of its programme, allowing the country to gradually build capacity without the massive upfront infrastructure requirements of traditional nuclear plants,” he noted.

Other sectors

Beyond electricity generation, Rwanda is also prioritising broader applications of nuclear science in healthcare, agriculture and research.

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In the healthcare sector, nuclear technology is already used in cancer diagnosis and treatment, where small amounts of radioactive substances help doctors detect diseases early and treat them more precisely.

It is also used in radiotherapy to target and destroy cancer cells, and in medical imaging to support faster and more accurate diagnosis.

Authorities aim to expand access to radiotherapy, imaging and isotope-based applications to strengthen healthcare delivery.

Nuclear techniques are also being explored in agriculture and food systems to improve crop yields, control pests, and enhance soil management. They can also help in food preservation by reducing spoilage and extending shelf life, supporting more climate-resilient agriculture and stronger food security.

Officials also see nuclear science as a future tool for supporting industry and innovation, including quality control, mineral exploration and research, as Rwanda builds the technical capacity needed to expand its manufacturing and technology sectors.

According to Zerbo, the broader goal is to use nuclear energy as a foundation for industrialisation and economic transformation.

"The technology is expected to provide stable and reliable baseload power, which is critical for industries, manufacturing, and long-term economic transformation,” he said.

"Without a stable energy source such as nuclear power, large-scale industrialisation would remain difficult to achieve sustainably.”

Rwanda’s nuclear strategy also places strong emphasis on skills development and technical capacity.

More than 200 professionals have reportedly been trained in nuclear-related fields in countries including Russia, Korea, China and the United States through international partnerships, while the University of Rwanda has introduced nuclear science-related programmes to build domestic expertise.

The RAEB, which was established to lead the country’s nuclear programme, is overseeing implementation alongside ongoing efforts to develop a dedicated legal and regulatory framework covering safety, security, waste management and environmental protection.

The government is also working closely with international partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, to ensure compliance with global nuclear safety standards.

An Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission conducted by the IAEA assessed Rwanda’s readiness across key areas, including policy, regulation, human resources, safety systems and stakeholder engagement. The review noted progress in institutional coordination and early-stage planning.

Zerbo added that one of the biggest challenges facing nuclear energy development remains public perception, as many people continue to associate nuclear technology with weapons and historical nuclear accidents.

"When people hear about nuclear, they think of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Chernobyl and Fukushima. That has shaped perception over time through media narratives and political debate, sometimes overshadowing the peaceful uses of nuclear science,” he said.

He stressed the need for greater public education and awareness around the peaceful and developmental applications of nuclear technology.

"We need to shift public understanding from fear-based perceptions to the practical development value of nuclear energy. Education and awareness will be key in helping populations understand its peaceful applications,” he said.

He added that modern nuclear energy is increasingly recognised globally as a clean and climate-resilient source of reliable power needed for long-term development.