Outlook for Nuclear Energy in Africa

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Non-serial Publications

English IAEA/PAT/011

36 pages ¦ 1 figure ¦ Date published: 2025

https://doi.org/10.61092/iaea.wwln-g9iw

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Description

Africa faces rising energy demands and energy security and climate challenges. The IAEA’s new publication, developed for South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency, highlights nuclear energy as a transformative solution. With only one operational nuclear power plant on the continent and over 500 million people lacking electricity, nuclear power offers a clean, reliable and scalable path to energy security and sustainable development. The publication explores the growing interest in nuclear energy across more than 20 African countries, the role of small modular reactors, and the continent’s strategic uranium resources. It emphasizes the importance of nuclear infrastructure development, financing, regional cooperation and IAEA support to Member States. Case studies from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria showcase progress and potential in the development of nuclear energy on the continent. With innovative financing and international collaboration, nuclear energy can help to power Africa’s future and ambitions.

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Keywords

Nuclear Energy, Africa, Energy Demands, Energy Security, Climate Challenges, South Africa, G20 Presidency, Operational Nuclear Power Plant, Electricity Access, Clean Energy, Reliable Energy, Scalable Energy, Sustainable Development, Small Modular Reactors, Uranium Resources, Nuclear Infrastructure, Financing, Regional Cooperation, IAEA Support, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Case Studies, Innovative Financing, International Collaboration