Kigali is hosting hundreds of delegates, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders for Africa’s second Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA), taking place from May 18–21 at the Kigali Convention Centre,Rwanda.
Held under the theme, “Powering Africa’s Future: Turning Nuclear Energy Ambition into Investable Reality,” the summit brings together African leaders and global energy stakeholders to discuss nuclear energy investment, innovation, and sustainable development across the continent.
Officially opening the summit, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame emphasized the importance of energy in driving Africa’s economic transformation.
“For Africa, energy is not simply a development issue, it is the foundation of industrial growth and competitiveness,” Kagame stated.
The event is attended by President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Discussions at the summit are focused on financing strategies, policy direction, and deployment pathways for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Modular Reactors (MMRs), technologies considered safer, scalable, and better suited for African energy needs.
President Kagame noted that international attitudes toward nuclear financing are shifting rapidly.
“Last year, the World Bank decided to end the ban on financing nuclear power projects. At COP28, governments called on international financing institutions to include nuclear energy in their portfolios. Now is the time to work together to make this shift urgently in Africa,” he said.
Rwanda recently unveiled plans for a $5–6 billion nuclear power plant expected to become operational by the early 2030s. Kagame revealed that Rwanda has successfully completed Phase One of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review, confirming the country remains on track toward its nuclear energy goals.
He also highlighted Africa’s growing workforce as a major opportunity for future economic growth if properly supported with infrastructure and energy development.
Nigeria was represented at the summit by the Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and IAEA National Liaison Officer, Engr. Dr. Anthony Ekedegwa, alongside Mr. Sylvester Galadima of the Research and Nuclear Infrastructure Directorate, NAEC.