Rwanda and Russia have signed an agreement to develop nuclear energy projects, including a small nuclear power plant and a nuclear science and technology centre, with construction activities expected to begin soon.
The agreement was signed on October 28, 2026, between the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB) and Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, during the third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow.
According to a statement released by Rosatom on October 29, the agreement provides for an assessment of Rwanda’s existing nuclear infrastructure and identifies the requirements needed to develop the country’s nuclear energy programme.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia, Maj. Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita, signed on behalf of Rwanda, while Nikolay Spassky, Rosatom’s Deputy Director General for International Activities, represented the Russian corporation.
In a post on X, Nzabamwita said the cooperation would focus on developing a small modular nuclear reactor, establishing a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology and training Rwandan scientists and technical personnel.
“Construction works will now soon commence in Rwanda, which will also create jobs for our youths,” he wrote.
The ambassador said the projects would help Rwanda increase access to affordable electricity while supporting the application of nuclear technology in other sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, mining and education.
He highlighted its potential use in cancer treatment, preserving agricultural produce, geological surveys and mineral processing.
Nzabamwita also linked the cooperation to Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050, which include expanding energy access and supporting industrial development.
Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev said the partnership would focus on developing the infrastructure and expertise required for Rwanda’s nuclear programme.
The Russian corporation explained that the latest agreement would help determine the country’s infrastructure needs in accordance with recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
While construction activities are expected to begin soon, Rosatom described the agreement as a memorandum covering the assessment and development of nuclear infrastructure. A final construction contract and timetable for the proposed power facility have not been announced.
Rwanda and Russia began formal cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy in 2018, followed by another agreement in 2019 concerning the establishment of a nuclear science and technology centre.
The partnership progressed further in July 2026, when RAEB and Rosatom agreed on a roadmap covering small modular reactors, infrastructure development, technical training and nuclear safety preparations.
Rwanda aims to introduce nuclear-generated electricity into its energy supply in the early 2030s to help meet growing demand from households, businesses and industries.
The cooperation also includes training specialists, with Rosatom confirming that 102 Rwandan students are currently studying at Russian universities through its programmes.
Their training is intended to help Rwanda develop the expertise needed to operate and manage nuclear facilities.
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