President Paul Kagame, on May 16, held discussions with Lassina Zerbo, the Chairperson of Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), and the organisation’s CEO, Fidel Ndahayo, on the importance of nuclear energy for Africa’s future.

The discussions also emphasized the need to invest in capacity building to take advantage of ongoing innovations, including the development of small modular reactor technology, according to the President’s Office.

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The country seeks to leverage nuclear science and technology to promote economic growth and transformation mainly because nuclear is seen as a key enabler in propelling industries such as energy, health, and security.

Rwanda Atomic Energy Board was established in 2020, following the parliament vote in support of an October 24, 2019 agreement between Rwanda and Russia, which provides for cooperation in the construction of a center of nuclear science and technology in Rwanda.

Its mandate is to monitor and coordinate safety and security and support nuclear energy applications for sustainable social-economic development aligned with the National Strategy for Transformation and Vision 2050.

Rwanda is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).