Rwanda is making significant strides towards advancing nuclear science, by introducing it in many aspects of life. Already, plans are underway to establish in Kigali a centre for nuclear science, while Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB) has also been established to facilitate the setting up of different nuclear facilities in the country. The most recent development was the announcement that at least 100 Rwandans will in later this year graduate from different universities across the world in different areas of nuclear science. Even better news is the fact that the University of Rwanda may soon introduce a faculty on nuclear science and technology to locally train nuclear scientists. This is good news because it means that once the different facilities are established, there will be enough capacity internally to move things, meaning that little will be spent on having to hire many expatriates which costs the country. What many Rwandans are eagerly waiting for from the development is probably the envisaged production of energy from nuclear science, which will give a significant boost to the country’s quest to satisfy the energy needs for not only Rwandans but also those who wish to invest in Rwanda. Many countries are increasingly reliant on nuclear science to generate electricity. Countries like France have 68 per cent of their energy coming from nuclear, while the United States, which is the largest producer in the world, has 20 per cent of its energy drawn from nuclear science. The expectation from Rwandans and investors alike is that once the country has adequate energy, the cost of electricity will hopefully reduce, which will be a major relief. Already, a parliamentary committee recently found out that the cost of utilities, mainly electricity, is a major impediment to doing business. Finally, the development also feeds into the country’s aspiration of safeguarding the environment by relying on renewable energy to power her development. Of course, there are so many other interventions where nuclear science and technology will intervene including boosting the country’s space capabilities. Rwandans are therefore eagerly waiting for more milestones towards this.
