Rwanda and Russia have inked a new agreement that will foresee the development of small modular nuclear power plants, the establishment of a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology and training of Rwandan nuclear specialists. This initiative puts Rwanda in the race of nuclear infrastructure development in Eastern Africa, as countries like Kenya Uganda, and Ethiopia set the pace.
The memorandum of understanding was signed during the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. This memorandum was signed by the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board and Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia, Maj Gen (Rtd) Joseph Nzabamwita, signed on behalf of the country. On the other hand, Nikolay Spassky, Rosatom’s Deputy Director General for International Activities, represented the Russian corporation. Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva led Rwanda’s delegation to the summit on behalf of President Paul Kagame.
Significance of the Agreement
Sputnik who is Rosatom’s Director General Alexey Likhachev said the corporation would assist Rwanda in developing the infrastructure. Also, he stated that it would help Rwanda establish expertise required for a civilian nuclear energy programme.
Furthermore, Rosatom stated that the programme would be implemented in line with standards and recommendations established by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The cooperation will focus on three main areas. These areas include developing small modular nuclear power plants, creating a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology, and training national personnel to operate and regulate the facilities.
The agreement provides for an assessment of Rwanda’s existing nuclear infrastructure and identification of the technical, institutional and regulatory requirements needed to advance the programme.
Also, according to Nzabamwita, the partnership would help Rwanda develop clean and reliable electricity while expanding the use of nuclear technology in healthcare, agriculture, mining, education and scientific research.
Significance of the Planned Science Centre
The planned science centre is expected to support cancer diagnosis and treatment, production of medical materials, preservation of agricultural produce, geological surveys and mineral processing. It will also train scientists, engineers and technical personnel needed for Rwanda’s nuclear ambitions.
“Construction works will soon commence in Rwanda, which will also create jobs for our youths,” Nzabamwita said.
However, the document signed in Moscow is an infrastructure development memorandum rather than a final reactor construction contract. Details concerning the reactor technology, location, financing, licensing and construction timetable have not yet been publicly confirmed.
The latest agreement builds on nuclear cooperation between Rwanda and Russia dating back to 2018. In 2019, the two sides agreed to establish a nuclear science and technology centre. In July 2026, RAEB and Rosatom signed a roadmap covering small modular reactors, workforce development, regulation and national nuclear infrastructure.
Rwanda’s Nuclear Plans
Rwanda plans to introduce nuclear-generated electricity into its energy mix in the early 2030s. Additionally, Rwanda is targeting an initial 110 megawatts of nuclear generation between 2030 and 2033.
President Kagame placed nuclear energy at the centre of Rwanda’s long-term development strategy during the Second Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris on March 10, 2026.
“It will diversify our energy mix, while providing the stability required for industrial growth and long-term transformation,” Kagame said.
He said hundreds of Rwandans had already received training in nuclear science and engineering through partnerships with international institutions. The University of Rwanda has also introduced a programme in nuclear science.
Small modular reactors are designed to produce up to 300 megawatts of electricity and can be deployed progressively, making them potentially more suitable for countries with smaller power grids.
The projects will still require substantial financing, strict regulatory supervision, qualified personnel, secure management of radioactive waste and long-term arrangements for cooling, emergency response and environmental protection.
Lastly, Rwanda clarified its nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful civilian purposes. These include electricity generation, medicine, agriculture, mining, research and technical education.
Factsheet
Project Name: Rwanda Civilian Nuclear Infrastructure and SMR Program
Key Partners: Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB) and Rosatom State Corporation
Agreement Type: Infrastructure Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Signing Date and Venue: October 28, 2026 — 3rd Russia-Africa Summit (Moscow)
Primary Scope
- Deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Construction of a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST)
- Workforce and development and specialized personnel training.
Target Power Generation: 110 MW initial nuclear capacity targeted for 2030–2033.
Key Applications: Grid electricity, cancer diagnosis/treatment, agricultural preservation, mining, geological surveys, and scientific research.
Compliance and Framework: Aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and Rwanda’s Vision 2050.
Current Project Status: Pre-feasibility and regulatory assessment phase; preliminary roadmap signed in July 2026 ahead of upcoming site civil works.
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