№ 57, 2024. The Security Index (in Russian) came out with the new report «Prospects for Cooperation Between Russia and African States in the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy» by Sviatoslav Arov

MOSCOW. DECEMBER 23, 2024. PIR PRESS. The Security Index (in Russian) came out with the new report «Prospects for Cooperation Between Russia and African States in the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy» by Sviatoslav Arov.

Cooperation in the energy sector remains a priority area of interaction between Russia and foreign countries. Russia has signed agreements with more than ten African nations on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Several African states have consistently expressed interest in collaborating with Russia, particularly in building nuclear power plants (NPPs) and advancing peaceful nuclear energy initiatives. This trend is unsurprising: energy deficits are among the main obstacles to the sustainable growth of African economies, prompting local governments to explore diverse energy solutions. With extensive experience in nuclear projects and strong ties with the region, Russia is well-positioned to play a significant role in this field.

Key findings:

• Assessing prospects for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy with African countries necessitates an individualized approach.
• Energy deficits in most African countries hinder the sustainable growth of their economies, driving governments to explore diverse energy solutions.
• When considering prospects for building NPPs in Africa, several factors must be considered: economic conditions, underdeveloped power grid infrastructure, insufficiently qualified personnel, socio-political instability, and a lack of political continuity in some countries.
• Ensuring nuclear safety is the most critical aspect of cooperation with African countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• At this stage, Russia should prioritize establishing a long-term presence in Africa by training personnel, contributing to the development of industry strategies, roadmaps, and action plans, creating regulatory and legal frameworks, and establishing nuclear science and technology centers as a foundation for expansion.

The report has been prepared within the framework of the «Global Security, Strategic Stability, and Arms Control» Project under the auspices of the «Priority-2030» Strategic Academic Leadership Program.

Key words: Atomic Energy; Peaceful Atom; Africa

AFR

F4/SOR – 24/12/23