The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting African countries in developing peaceful nuclear energy programmes, stressing that the continent must be fully integrated into the global shift toward low-emission energy sources.
Speaking at the Africa Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Grossi said there is “nothing preventing Africa from claiming its place” in the evolving global energy landscape. He underscored that clean and reliable energy is no longer a luxury but a pressing necessity for the continent.
“Africa can and should be a key player in the future of global energy,” Grossi stated, highlighting the growing momentum behind nuclear power as a crucial component of the world’s energy mix. He noted that last year’s COP28 climate summit marked a turning point, with widespread recognition of nuclear energy as an indispensable part of the solution to climate change.
While acknowledging that nuclear power may not suit every country, Grossi emphasized that achieving a low-carbon global economy will be impossible without it. He noted a rising interest across African nations in small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors, alongside traditional nuclear technologies.
Grossi urged investment in infrastructure and local capacity building, saying the IAEA stands ready to work “hand in hand with Africa on its journey toward a safe and sustainable nuclear future.”
The two-day summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and energy experts to explore the role of nuclear power in accelerating Africa’s energy transition and supporting sustainable development.
