Kigali – President Paul Kagame has received a major report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), marking an important milestone in Rwanda’s efforts to develop nuclear energy infrastructure and strengthen the country’s long-term energy security.
The report outlines the findings of the first-phase assessment conducted by the IAEA regarding the requirements needed for Rwanda to establish infrastructure capable of supporting nuclear energy production. Completion of this phase signals that Rwanda is now prepared to move into the second stage of the process, which involves engaging with international partners and service providers connected to nuclear energy development projects.
Before presenting the report to President Kagame, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi praised the collaboration between Rwanda and the agency.
“We have been working for some time with Rwandan experts on the assessment we are presenting to you today,” Grossi said.
President Kagame described the successful completion of the first assessment phase as part of Rwanda’s broader national strategy to begin generating electricity from nuclear energy by the early 2030s.
Rwanda plans to develop a nuclear power plant using Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a modern nuclear technology designed to be smaller, more flexible, and easier to deploy than traditional nuclear plants. Unlike conventional nuclear facilities, SMRs can be manufactured elsewhere and transported to the location where they will operate.
The planned project is expected to include four reactor modules, with each capable of producing 200 megawatts of electricity. Combined, the plant is expected to generate up to 600 megawatts of power, significantly increasing Rwanda’s national electricity capacity.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2028 and continue for approximately two years.
Officials explained that traditional nuclear power plants are often extremely large and expensive, while SMRs are smaller and more adaptable for developing countries. The modular design allows additional units to be added as energy demand increases.
President Kagame said Small Modular Reactors represent the most practical solution for Rwanda and many African nations seeking reliable and affordable electricity.
“For Rwanda, Small Modular Reactors are the practical option,” Kagame said. “They fit the realities of many African countries because they can be installed more easily and connected to smaller electricity grids at a lower cost.”
Rwanda recently became the 38th country pursuing plans to generate nuclear energy by 2050, reflecting the country’s growing ambition to diversify its energy sources and support industrial and economic growth.
President Kagame emphasized that Africa’s economic transformation cannot be achieved without sufficient and reliable electricity. He noted that inadequate energy infrastructure often discourages investors from committing resources to African economies because of concerns over power stability.
The Head of State also highlighted a changing global perspective toward nuclear energy, explaining that many financial institutions now classify it among environmentally sustainable energy solutions eligible for international funding support.
“That creates new opportunities,” Kagame said.
Looking ahead to 2050, President Kagame stated that Africa’s rapidly growing population and workforce could become a major economic advantage if countries prepare effectively today. He stressed that cooperation among African nations will be essential in building the infrastructure and partnerships needed to support future development.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi also revealed that the agency recently signed agreements with the World Bank aimed at helping countries access financing for nuclear energy investments.
Grossi said international financial institutions are increasingly opening opportunities for nuclear-related projects, adding that in the past many investors viewed nuclear energy as too risky rather than recognizing its strategic value for long-term development.
He further noted that after reaching agreements with the World Bank, the IAEA is planning additional cooperation with the African Development Bank to support African nations pursuing nuclear energy initiatives, following previous collaboration with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The development marks a significant step in Rwanda’s long-term energy ambitions and positions the country among a growing number of nations exploring advanced energy technologies to meet future economic and industrial demands.
