President Paul Kagame says nuclear energy will play a major role in Africa’s long-term industrial transformation and economic competitiveness.
He made the remarks while opening the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit in Kigali, where leaders and experts gathered to discuss the future of nuclear energy on the continent.
According to Kagame, reliable electricity is essential for modern industries, advanced healthcare systems, mineral processing, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
“Modern industries and advanced technologies all depend on reliable electricity,” he said.
Kagame explained that Rwanda plans to adopt Small Modular Reactor technology, which he described as flexible and well-suited to African economies and energy systems.
However, he emphasized that nuclear energy will not replace renewable sources such as solar and hydropower, which Africa also has in abundance.
The President called for stronger investor confidence and supportive international regulations to help Africa attract sustainable nuclear energy investments.
