The agreement between the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB) and Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, was signed on October 28, 2026, on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia, Maj Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, announced the development in a post on X on October 31, saying construction works would soon begin in Rwanda.
“Construction works will now soon commence in Rwanda, which will also create jobs for our youths,” he wrote.
He said the partnership would also focus on training nuclear scientists and technical personnel, while promoting the use of nuclear technologies in healthcare, agriculture and mining.
According to Maj Gen Nzabamwita, the technologies could support cancer treatment, preservation of agricultural produce, geological surveys and mineral processing, while nuclear power could contribute to providing affordable electricity to households.
Rosatom said the agreement would support an assessment of Rwanda’s nuclear infrastructure needs in line with recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“Our cooperation with Rwanda is comprehensive, we are working together on projects for a small nuclear power plant and a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology, while also training the country’s future nuclear professionals,” said Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev.
He added that 102 Rwandan students are currently studying at Russian universities through Rosatom programmes.
Rwanda’s nuclear energy programme builds on cooperation with Russia that began in 2018, when the two countries signed an intergovernmental agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The partnership is part of the country’s broader plans to introduce nuclear power into its mix with Rwanda expecting to begin generating 110 megawatts of electricity from nuclear energy between 2030 and 2033, according to infrastructure Minister Damien Murwanashyaka who announced the target while appearing before senators in September 2026.
The planned projects form part of Rwanda’s broader efforts to diversify its energy sources, strengthen scientific research and develop skilled professionals as the country works towards its vision 20250 development goals.
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