The 28th Technical Working Group Meeting (TWGM) of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) has recently taken place in Kampala, Uganda from 17 to 21 July 2017, which was hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of the Republic of Uganda.
Thirty-one National Coordinators from AFRA State Parties took part in this meeting, which was officially opened by H.E Rt. Hon Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda. Ms Eng. Irene Muloni, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Mr. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Director of the Division for Africa, and Mr. Mickel Edwerd, AFRA Focal person were also present.
AFRA National Coordinators deliberated on AFRA policy and programme-related matters and discussed measures and actions to further improve the management of regional cooperative projects. They also discussed measures and actions to further enhance the efficiency of IAEA deliverables and the effectiveness of IAEA supported activities at the regional level.
During the opening speech the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister underlined the important cooperation between Uganda and the IAEA and highlighted the Agency’s contribution for their socio-economic development, especially in the development of Uganda’s nuclear power programme. On behalf of the DDG –TC, Mr. Shaukat Abdulrazak articulated the importance of nuclear science and technology in the developmental agenda in Africa. He emphasized the need for triangular cooperation[1] between Member States and the IAEA and the importance of ensuring that adequate safety infrastructure and human resources are developed and maintained.
