President Samia Pushes for Nuclear Energy Cooperation in Africa

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu has called on African countries to move from energy ambitions to real implementation to support the continent’s economic growth.

Speaking during the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA 2026) in Kigali on May 19, President Samia said Africa needs reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy systems to drive industrialization and development.

She said strong energy systems are important for sectors such as mining, manufacturing, transport, and digital infrastructure.

“This platform provides an important opportunity for Africa to move from ambition to implementation. We must continue working together to create enabling environments that support investment, strengthen institutions, and build the technical capacities necessary for long-term energy transformation,” President Samia said.

Samia Pushes for Energy Diversification

The statement said Tanzania’s electricity demand continues to rise as the country works toward its development goals under Tanzania Development Vision 2050.

President Samia said Tanzania is investing in hydropower, natural gas, and renewable energy while also exploring peaceful nuclear energy opportunities.

She explained that nuclear energy will complement renewable energy sources and help provide reliable long-term power solutions.

The President also stressed the need for strong regulatory systems, skilled professionals, and adherence to international safety standards.

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Talks With IAEA Director General

President Samia referred to earlier discussions held during the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam in January 2025 and her bilateral talks with Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The discussions focused on cooperation in nuclear energy development and the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

During the meeting, President Samia confirmed Tanzania’s commitment to peaceful nuclear power development and highlighted plans to establish a National Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO).

The leaders also discussed Tanzania’s participation in the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, which aims to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment services.

They further discussed the Atoms4Food programme, which supports food security and agricultural productivity through nuclear technology.

President Samia said Tanzania is expanding radiotherapy and cancer treatment services in major referral hospitals and called for continued international support.

For his part, Grossi praised Tanzania’s progress and promised continued support through technical cooperation, capacity building, and institutional strengthening.

“The IAEA is ready to continue supporting Tanzania through technical cooperation, institutional strengthening, capacity building, and resource mobilization initiatives,” Grossi said.

Also Read: Kenya Receives International Recognition at Global Health Summit

President Suluhu Holds Talks With Kagame

Earlier, President Samia held talks with Paul Kagame in Kigali, where the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation between Tanzania and Rwanda.

The leaders later witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the energy sector.

The agreement was signed by Tanzania’s Energy Minister Deogratias John Ndejembi and Rwanda’s Minister for Infrastructure Dr Jimmy Gasore.

According to the statement, the MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in electricity connectivity, petroleum and natural gas development, energy infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital systems.

The agreement follows resolutions reached during the Joint Permanent Commission meeting held in July 2025.

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Iran’s Nuclear Power Plant. PHOTO/ File