- The US and Russia compete to influence Africa’s growing nuclear energy market as more nations aim for atomic power by 2030.
- Kenya will host the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USA) in August. The US will showcase its nuclear expertise and discuss partnerships with African nations.
- Russia’s state-owned Rosatom is advancing its presence in Africa by offering localised nuclear solutions, including Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
The United States and Russia are ramping up efforts to expand their influence in Africa’s emerging nuclear energy market. As more African nations plan to adopt atomic power by 2030, the competition grows fiercer.
South Africa is currently the only African country with a nuclear power plant. However, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda also consider nuclear energy to meet their growing electricity needs.
The US and Russia engage these nations through forums, offering customised nuclear solutions, skills training, and educational partnerships. Both aim to secure long-term contracts as Africa’s nuclear market develops.
In August, Kenya will host the second US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES). The summit will focus on Africa’s nuclear power readiness and future potential. The US plans to showcase its 70 years of nuclear experience and highlight how African countries can build their nuclear power infrastructure.
The summit’s agenda emphasises how African industries could replicate the benefits the US has gained from nuclear power. The four-day event includes discussions on Africa’s preparedness for atomic energy and a session on nuclear financing.
Representatives from Egypt, Ghana, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania will attend. A key session will feature a US-Ghana commercial agreement on nuclear power, building on talks from the Africa Nuclear Business Platform meeting held in May in Accra, Ghana. During that meeting, Ann Ganzer, the US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Security, announced new civil nuclear cooperation to help Ghana develop nuclear power, including establishing Ghana as a hub for small modular reactors (SMRs).
Meanwhile, Russia is also advancing its position in Africa through its state-owned company, Rosatom. Since 2023, Rosatom has signed multiple memoranda of understanding with African governments. The company offers local solutions tailored to Africa’s needs, including large nuclear power plants, Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs), and SMRs.
At the Atomexpo 2024 in Russia, Rosatom reaffirmed its commitment to providing nuclear solutions for Africa. In May, during the Africa Nuclear Business Platform in Accra, the company showcased trim and floating nuclear plants as cost-effective, quickly deployable options for Africa’s energy challenges.
Rosatom offers innovative solutions, including the world’s only Floating Power Unit, which, along with land-based SMRs, provides a cost-effective, scalable, and quickly deployable option for Africa’s energy needs. These solutions support Africa’s transition to clean and sustainable energy resources.
Rosatom actively engages in infrastructure development, education, and technology transfers across Africa. The company is constructing a $25 billion nuclear power plant in El-Dabaa, Egypt, with a total capacity of 4.8 gigawatts (GW) from four power units.
Ghana is emerging as a strong contender to join South Africa and Egypt in Africa’s nuclear power arena. It plans to select a vendor for its nuclear plant by the end of 2024.
South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, the continent’s only existing nuclear plant, recently extended Unit 1’s operating life by 20 years after its 40-year license expired in July. Eskom, the plant’s operator, seeks similar approval for Unit 2 after refurbishment.
As Africa’s interest in nuclear power grows, the US and Russia intensify their efforts to dominate this strategic sector. Both nations offer a range of solutions to support Africa’s nuclear ambitions.