Rwanda will host an international conference focused on promoting the use of nuclear energy for civilian purposes in May 2026.
The announcement was made during an international nuclear energy conference currently taking place in Paris.
During the meeting, Paul Kagame emphasized that Rwanda needs nuclear energy infrastructure as the country will require significantly more electricity in the coming years.
He told participants from various sectors that Rwanda aims to become a developed nation by 2050, and achieving that goal will require a strong and reliable energy supply.
“Our ambition is for Rwanda to become a developed country by 2050. Achieving this will require large amounts of electricity, which is why we have decided to prioritize nuclear energy in our long-term development plans,” Kagame said.
The upcoming conference is scheduled to take place in Kigali from May 18 to May 21, 2026, under the theme: “Harnessing Nuclear Energy for Investment and Development.”
A similar conference was last held in South Africa in 2023.
Rwanda is hosting the event as the country continues to expand its efforts to utilize nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including healthcare, electricity generation, and other industrial applications.
In 2018, Rwanda began cooperation with Russia to establish a nuclear research center that could eventually support the development of nuclear power generation in the country.
In August 2024, Rwanda signed a cooperation agreement with Nano Nuclear Energy Inc to develop advanced technologies that could be used for nuclear power production.
Earlier, the Rwandan government also signed an agreement with Dual Fluid Energy Inc to conduct trials on new technology that could lead to nuclear-based electricity generation in Rwanda.
These initiatives aim to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Reactors, compact nuclear power systems that require less space, produce significant energy output, and are designed to operate safely with minimal environmental impact.
In June 2025, the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board announced that Rwanda aims to become one of the few countries in Africa operating a nuclear power plant by 2030.
Rwanda will host an international conference focused on promoting the use of nuclear energy for civilian purposes in May 2026.
The announcement was made during an international nuclear energy conference currently taking place in Paris.
During the meeting, Paul Kagame emphasized that Rwanda needs nuclear energy infrastructure as the country will require significantly more electricity in the coming years.
He told participants from various sectors that Rwanda aims to become a developed nation by 2050, and achieving that goal will require a strong and reliable energy supply.
“Our ambition is for Rwanda to become a developed country by 2050. Achieving this will require large amounts of electricity, which is why we have decided to prioritize nuclear energy in our long-term development plans,” Kagame said.
The upcoming conference is scheduled to take place in Kigali from May 18 to May 21, 2026, under the theme: “Harnessing Nuclear Energy for Investment and Development.”
A similar conference was last held in South Africa in 2023.
Rwanda is hosting the event as the country continues to expand its efforts to utilize nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including healthcare, electricity generation, and other industrial applications.
In 2018, Rwanda began cooperation with Russia to establish a nuclear research center that could eventually support the development of nuclear power generation in the country.
In August 2024, Rwanda signed a cooperation agreement with Nano Nuclear Energy Inc to develop advanced technologies that could be used for nuclear power production.
Earlier, the Rwandan government also signed an agreement with Dual Fluid Energy Inc to conduct trials on new technology that could lead to nuclear-based electricity generation in Rwanda.
These initiatives aim to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Reactors, compact nuclear power systems that require less space, produce significant energy output, and are designed to operate safely with minimal environmental impact.
In June 2025, the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board announced that Rwanda aims to become one of the few countries in Africa operating a nuclear power plant by 2030.
