CAPE TOWN – THE State Atomic Energy Corporation “Rosatom” and the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) have approved an Action Plan for Cooperation in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy for 2023-2025.

Building upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Rosatom and AFCONE on September 22, 2020, the Parties have reaffirmed their commitment to promote the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Enobot Agboraw, Executive Secretary, African Commission on Nuclear Energy said: “The Action Plan encompasses key areas of cooperation outlined in AFCONE’s Abridged Medium Term Strategic Plan for 2021-2025 and AFCONE Programme of Work 2021-2023. The first steps will include holding AFCONE-Rosatom joint events on nuclear technologies in Africa in 2024 and 2025, promoting educational and training programmes and contributing to the development of nuclear infrastructure”.

Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General for Development and International Business, Rosatom highlighted: “Through this partnership, we aim to strengthen technical cooperation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. Rosatom brings its unparalleled expertise in nuclear technology, while AFCONE offers its broad insights to facilitate the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear energy across the continent”.

The collaboration between Rosatom and AFCONE is aimed at creating opportunities for African countries to diversify their energy mixes, enhance energy security, and harness the potential of nuclear energy for sustainable development, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental protection.

It promises to improve socioeconomic conditions and benefit for African countries through supporting the objectives of the African Union’s 2063 Agenda, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the continent.

– CAJ News