Tanzanian president calls for stronger cooperation on Africa's nuclear energy

Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam 

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for stronger cooperation among African countries and international partners to advance peaceful and sustainable nuclear energy development across the continent, according to a statement issued Tuesday by the Directorate of Presidential Communications.

Addressing the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2026) in Kigali, Rwanda, President Hassan described the summit as an important platform to help Africa move "from ambition to implementation" in developing reliable and sustainable energy systems.

Hassan said Africa's economic transformation depends on affordable and sustainable energy capable of supporting industrialization, mining, transport modernization and digital infrastructure development.

She said Tanzania's growing electricity demand, driven by industrial expansion, urbanization and digital transformation under the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, requires diversified long-term energy solutions.

"It is in this context that Tanzania is advancing consideration of nuclear energy as part of our long-term energy diversification strategy," Hassan said, noting the country's interest in emerging technologies such as small modular reactors and micro modular reactors.

The statement said the president also emphasized the importance of financing, regulatory preparedness, skilled human resources and regional cooperation in ensuring the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology.

She also met Rwandan President Paul Kagame, with the two leaders witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation between Tanzania and Rwanda.