Kigali: African delegates at the inaugural Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2025) in the Rwandan capital of Kigali called for the accelerated adoption of nuclear energy to meet the continent's rising energy demand, support industrialization, and drive sustainable development. As the continent's population is expected to exceed 3 billion in the next four decades, leaders stressed the importance of clean, reliable, and scalable energy, particularly nuclear power.
According to Ghana News Agency, Rwandan Prime Minister, Edouard Ngirente, emphasized during the opening ceremony that the future of the African energy landscape will continue to be shaped by increasing energy demand and population growth. With over 600 million Africans lacking access to electricity, Ngirente highlighted nuclear energy as a sustainable, low-carbon solution capable of ensuring energy security and supporting climate resilience across the continent.
Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, pointed out that nuclear energy is central to Rwanda's long-term energy strategy. He stated that Rwanda is actively exploring small modular reactors to meet rising energy demand and reduce carbon emissions. 'The first reactor is expected by 2026, with operational readiness targeted by 2028,' Gasore said.
The summit, running through Tuesday, aims to elevate nuclear energy as a key pillar of Africa's sustainable development. NEISA 2025 is organized in collaboration with key international institutions, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Nuclear Energy Agency, World Nuclear Association, and leading regional financial institutions.
