As Rwanda moves forward with plans to produce nuclear energy, an expert has called on young people to take up careers in the sector, saying they will play a key role in the country’s ambitions. Remy Wilson Bana, the acting division manager for nuclear and radiation safety at Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), made the remarks at the Rwanda Youth Summit 2025 this week. The event, organised by Rwanda Young Generation in Nuclear and partners, focused on Rwanda’s nuclear plans and the role of youth in supporting them. Rwanda is developing a nuclear energy programme aimed at supporting long-term development. Under the plan, nuclear power, using Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, will add at least 110 megawatts to the national grid in the early 2030s, complementing existing energy sources. Currently, Rwanda’s access to electricity is 84.6 percent with approximately 77kWh per capita energy consumption. The target is to achieve 100 percent electrification and 1,026 kWh per capita energy consumption by 2035 and 3,080 kWh per capita energy consumption by 2050. Speaking during the event, Prof. Bana said beyond technology, there is the necessity of investment in human capital, as he pointed out that nuclear power is not just a question of infrastructure, but a generational project that requires skills, responsibility, and leadership. He called on young people to get involved in a variety of roles in engineering, science, public policy, communication, economics, environment, and regulation. He emphasized that the program's success will depend on this diversity of profiles. For Lincoln Ngaboyisonga, a public policy analyst at the Prime Minister's Office, the inclusion of nuclear power in Rwanda's vision responds to a numerical reality: Rwanda's future energy demand will be 10 to 15 times more than what we can produce now. We need to be more creative, innovative and find ways to meet this energy demand,” he said. In his view, young people must see themselves as actors and solution providers, capable of transforming a national challenge into a driver of collective prosperity. I want students to think of it as an opportunity, because a problem is just an opportunity. If you solve it, you will be able to meet the needs of many people,” he noted. This year, the country launched a nuclear science program at the University of Rwanda. In addition, since 2018, Rwanda has had a regulatory framework dedicated to nuclear and radiological safety, in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) phased approach. A recent assessment indicates that Rwanda has already achieved 86 percent regulatory readiness. “This progress demonstrates that protecting the population, and in particular the younger generations, is a top priority,” said Bana. It also opens up career opportunities for young people in the field of nuclear regulation, safety, and governance, he added. Dr. Joram Ndayishikiye, Head of Research at RAEB, identified the challenges that must be overcome to ensure the success of the nuclear program. These, he said, include limited equipment and human capital. Ange Fanny Uwera, a young leader of the Nice Club Nuclear Energy Rwanda, highlighted the crucial role of university clubs in raising awareness, educating, and correcting misconceptions about nuclear energy. According to her, dismantling fears and misconceptions is a key step in building a positive and responsible perception of nuclear energy among young people. This understanding, she said, will enable the future generation to take ownership of the sector and actively contribute to its development.
