Faith Nyasuguta
Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear energy organization, has been rapidly expanding its presence across Africa, seeking to establish itself as a key player in the continent’s nuclear sector. Over the past year, Rosatom has initiated agreements with several African nations, including Congo, Guinea, Algeria, and Burkina Faso. The company now has its sights set on Rwanda, a growing focus for Russian nuclear interests in East Africa.
According to a report from the Russian newspaper Sputnik, Rosatom plans to send a delegation to Rwanda to discuss potential collaborations, including the construction of a nuclear science center and a small nuclear power plant. The goal is to further strengthen ties between Russia and Rwanda, building on the foundation of an existing bilateral relationship.
Russia’s newly appointed ambassador to Kigali, Alexander Polyakov, revealed that discussions are underway to explore these possibilities. However, he emphasized the complexity of nuclear negotiations and urged caution against expecting immediate results. “This is a complex, sensitive issue that requires careful consideration and multi-factor preparation. Therefore, I would caution against sensational expectations for now,” Polyakov stated.
A History of Nuclear Cooperation
Rwanda and Russia first agreed to collaborate on peaceful nuclear energy use in 2018. The partnership aims to help Rwanda develop its nuclear infrastructure and apply nuclear energy in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and research. As part of this agreement, Rwanda seeks to leverage nuclear technology to bolster its overall development strategy.
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Rwanda have been in place since 1963, shortly after Rwanda gained independence. Today, their partnership spans various sectors, including education, politics, military affairs, and culture. The planned nuclear collaboration reflects the depth of their diplomatic ties, particularly in areas of technological advancement.
In addition to nuclear energy, both countries are working to establish an intergovernmental commission focused on trade, economic, scientific, and technical cooperation. Polyakov disclosed that a draft agreement to create this commission has already been submitted to Rwandan authorities for review.
“The issue of creating an Intergovernmental Russian-Rwandan Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is on the agenda. The draft of the corresponding agreement was submitted this summer for consideration by partners,” Polyakov noted.
This commission would provide a platform for deepening collaboration in areas such as cybersecurity and electronic services, sectors where both Russia and Rwanda have significant expertise. The establishment of Kaspersky Lab, a major Russian cybersecurity firm, in Rwanda marks a key example of their growing partnership. This is Kaspersky’s second location in sub-Saharan Africa, after South Africa, further illustrating the expanding relationship between the two nations.
Rosatom’s efforts in Rwanda are part of a broader push to expand its footprint across Africa. The company has already secured agreements with countries such as Mali, Zimbabwe, and Burundi. Additionally, Nigeria, a major African economy, has expressed interest in collaborating with Russia on nuclear projects as part of its ambition to join the BRICS group of nations. The Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission and Rosatom are already working together, focusing on accelerating nuclear cooperation and training individuals for the sector.
Tanzania, too, has shown interest in Russia’s nuclear technology. Doto Biteko, Tanzania’s Minister for Minerals, recently announced a panel discussion on nuclear technologies for Africa’s development, revealing that Tanzania has been quietly laying the groundwork for its nuclear ambitions.
As Russia continues its nuclear energy campaign in Africa, Rwanda is positioned to become a key player in the region’s nuclear future, alongside other African nations exploring the potential of this technology.
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