Rwanda’s PM calls for Nuclear Energy to solve Africa’s Power crisis
Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, has emphasised that nuclear energy is the long-term solution Africa needs to bridge the electricity gap affecting over 600 million people across the continent.
He made these remarks on Monday, 30 June 2025, while opening the two-day Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA2025) in Kigali, which brought together scientists, researchers, and senior government officials from across Africa.
Prime Minister Ngirente noted that insufficient energy supply on the continent fuels environmental degradation, as communities resort to unsustainable alternatives that further worsen the impacts of climate change. He explained that this challenge continues to hamper Africa’s economic progress.
“The best solution for Africa to achieve its development goals is to adopt nuclear energy because it is a reliable source. Investing in clean energy is not just good; it is necessary for sustainable development,” he stated.
He further highlighted that nuclear energy will foster innovation-based solutions and drive progress in other key sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.
The Prime Minister pointed out that climate change has severely impacted Africa’s traditional energy sources, creating an urgent need to diversify and adopt alternatives that can ensure a stable and sustainable economy. Unlike solar and hydro-power, he emphasised, nuclear energy is not dependent on weather conditions and can provide power consistently, day and night.
He acknowledged that nuclear energy often carries negative perceptions, with many associating it with harmful effects or disasters, but he underlined that its purpose for Africa is peaceful and focused on development.
Dr. Ngirente urged that Africa’s future energy strategies must focus on expanding electricity access to match the continent’s rapidly growing population. Research predicts that by 2065, Africa’s population will surpass three billion, necessitating robust investments in energy, innovation, and industrialisation.
“The continent must have energy capacity aligned with industrial growth, artificial intelligence advancement, urban development, and other sectors critical for its progress,” he said.
He also called upon African countries to work together, noting that the continent is richly endowed with natural resources that can make this possible.
Participants at the summit praised Rwanda’s leadership and commitment to development-driven collaborations. Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, stressed the importance of regional partnerships to realise nuclear energy goals for Africa.
“We believe there is much we will gain, which will enhance nuclear energy development across Africa,” he said.
Dr. Doto added that with over 600 million people lacking electricity access and more than 10 million businesses operating without power, the urgency to develop reliable energy sources to support economic growth is clear.
He echoed Dr. Ngirente’s sentiments, stating that while climate change has damaged Africa’s energy sources, nuclear energy offers a hopeful path forward.
