In recent years, Rwanda has started exploring nuclear technology as part of its broader Vision 2050 plan to meet the country’s growing energy, healthcare, and agriculture needs. Rwanda is taking a step toward modernising its infrastructure and solving key challenges by working with international partners like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). While this move holds great potential, Rwanda must overcome several obstacles like high costs associated with nuclear development and the need for skilled workers to make nuclear technology a reality. One major driver behind Rwanda’s interest in nuclear technology is the increasing demand for reliable and sustainable energy. As the economy grows and industrialisation accelerates, existing energy sources like hydropower and solar face limitations. Nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs) are considered safer and more adaptable to smaller grids, making them suitable for a country like Rwanda. While these projects are in their feasibility stages, the government is conducting studies and collaborating with experts to assess how nuclear energy can complement the national grid. Nuclear technology could also transform Rwanda’s healthcare sector. The government plans to make Rwanda a hub for medical tourism in the region. This includes setting up a medical city in Masaka, Kicukiro District, which would need advanced services like nuclear medicine. This technology uses special materials called radioisotopes for diagnosing and treating illnesses like cancers and cardiac diseases. However, nuclear medicine requires major investments in equipment, training, and safety and security, which Rwanda is starting to address through international partnerships. To manage nuclear technology safely, Rwanda has put in place relevant regulatory requirements, including Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), an entity that was set up to coordinate all research and development of nuclear energy activities in Rwanda, as well as the planned Center for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST). These bodies ensure that nuclear projects follow strict safety and security rules. They work under guidelines from the IAEA, which sets international standards. Rwanda’s membership in the IAEA helps it stay aligned with global best practices. The IAEA has even praised Rwanda for its efforts to protect nuclear materials, which is an important step in using nuclear technology responsibly. The country has also signed important treaties like the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Convention on Nuclear Terrorism to show its commitment to safety. Additionally, Rwanda has ratified key international treaties and conventions, such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Convention on physical protection of nuclear materials (CPPNM), and the convention on nuclear terrorism, among other international conventions, underscoring its commitment to responsible nuclear development. Building a skilled workforce is another key part of Rwanda’s plan. The country is working with partners like Russia, China, and the IAEA to train experts in nuclear science and technology. Many Rwandans are currently studying abroad in advanced programmes to learn about nuclear safety, security, nuclear physics, and energy production, among other nuclear related courses. Locally, Rwanda is exploring ways to create nuclear science programmes at its universities and research centres to train more professionals in the future. Despite these positive steps, Rwanda faces a few challenges, especially the high costs of nuclear infrastructure as the nuclear industry is one of the industries that require heavy investments. For example, the proposed small modular reactor construction costs between $50 million to $3 billion depending on the capacity. Building nuclear plants and ensuring safety will require significant investments. Additionally, Rwanda will need to continue working with international partners and keep developing its workforce to stay on track. One area of focus is nuclear medicine, which could be important for Rwanda’s healthcare system. The country hopes to become a regional medical tourism hub, and nuclear medicine will play a role in that. However, developing the necessary infrastructure to support nuclear medicine will also take time and money. Rwanda’s pursuit of nuclear technology is an exciting step toward addressing some of the country’s most pressing issues. The country has made good progress in setting up the necessary institutions, training professionals, and building partnerships with international experts. But Rwanda will need to continue working on the financial, technical, and regulatory aspects of nuclear technology to make it a successful part of its future. With careful planning and ongoing effort, Rwanda could become a leader in using nuclear technology to improve energy, healthcare, and agriculture in the region. The author is a nuclear safety and security expert and currently a PhD student in nuclear security at University of National and World Economy (UNWE) Sofia Bulgaria. emmyabens@yahoo.com
