Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his country's readiness to cooperate with African countries in the field of nuclear energy. This includes the construction of large and small power plants, as well as the application of nuclear technology in medicine and agriculture. Putin made these remarks during a press conference following the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. The summit aimed to strengthen ties between Russia and African nations.
Putin's statement was made during a joint press conference with Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who currently holds the position of Chair of the African Union. The two leaders reviewed the outcomes of the summit. Russia's cooperation with Africa in nuclear energy comes at a time when several African countries are seeking to enhance their electricity generation capabilities to support industrial development.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama announced on Thursday that his country has begun negotiations with Russia's Rosatom to establish its first nuclear power plant. Mahama cited Ghana's need to boost its electricity generation capacity to drive industrial growth. This development aligns with Russia's efforts to expand its presence in Africa's energy sector.
Rosatom, Russia's state-owned nuclear corporation, signed a memorandum of understanding with Togo's Ministry of Energy on Wednesday. The agreement covers cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including the study of energy projects and non-electric applications of nuclear technology. Rosatom's Director General, Alexei Likhachev, revealed that the corporation is in advanced talks with several African countries, including Egypt, Togo, Namibia, and Tanzania.
These discussions focus on potential projects for the construction of floating nuclear power plants. This initiative is part of Russia's broader strategy to enhance its cooperation with African nations in the energy sector. The Russia-Africa Summit adopted a closing statement and a plan of action for the Russian-African Partnership Forum for 2027-2029.
The plan aims to strengthen cooperation between Russia and African countries in various fields. The summit reflects Russia's commitment to deepening its ties with Africa. Several African countries have expressed interest in adopting nuclear energy to meet their growing electricity needs.
Russia's engagement in Africa's nuclear energy sector is expected to increase in the coming years. The cooperation is likely to cover a range of areas, including nuclear power plant construction, nuclear technology applications, and training for African nuclear professionals.
Key points
- Russia is willing to cooperate with African countries in nuclear energy projects, including the construction of large and small power plants.
- Ghana has begun negotiations with Russia's Rosatom to establish its first nuclear power plant.
- Rosatom is in advanced talks with several African countries, including Egypt, Togo, Namibia, and Tanzania, on potential nuclear energy projects.
