Russia explores establishing a nuclear science center and a nuclear plant in Rwanda

As reported by the Russian newspaper, Sputnik, Russia’s Rosatom would be sending a delegation to Rwanda, primarily to discuss the building of a nuclear science center and a small nuclear power plant in the East African country.

Alexander Polyakov, Russia’s new ambassador to Kigali, made the revelation, and noted that the conversation would center around strengthening Russia and Rwanda’s bilateral cooperation, through the potential nuclear deal.

“This is a complex, sensitive issue that requires careful consideration and multi-factor preparation. Therefore, I would caution against sensational expectations for now,” Alexander Polyakov stated.

Back in 2018, both countries agreed to partner in the peaceful nuclear energy use, intended to aid Rwanda in developing its nuclear infrastructure and utilize nuclear energy across several sectors.

Shortly after Rwanda’s 1963 independence, Russia decided on a diplomatic relationship with the new nation. Through their embassies, Rwanda and Russia still share a close bond. The main areas of cooperation include human resource development, education, politics, military affairs, and cross-cultural interaction.

The ambassador, according to Sputnik’s report, also relayed that both countries are looking to set up an intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific, and technical cooperation.

He mentioned that a draft agreement to this effect has already been submitted to Rwandan authorities, which is currently being reviewed.

“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,” stated Polyakov.

The ambassador further elaborated on Russia’s expertise in areas like electronic services and cybersecurity, and Rwanda’s leadership role in Africa’s rapidly digitizing ecosystem, a combination of which ensures a mutually beneficial partnership.

The establishment of Kaspersky Lab, a Russian multinational cybersecurity and anti-virus company, in Rwanda, its second location in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa is a prime illustration of this.

Rosatom has been on a mission to penetrate the African market, given the continent’s economic potential, and has already established relations with some countries on the continent, including Mali, Zimbabwe, and Burundi.

Nigeria too is in this mix, having stated its ambition to join the BRICS group of nations and collaborate on nuclear energy projects with Russia.

A recent report revealed that Russia and Nigeria are implementing direct steps to ensure this nuclear partnership and are also training individuals. The Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission and Russia’s Rosatom are striving to speed up the process.

Tanzania has also indicated interest in bringing Russia’s nuclear technology to bolster its economy. Doto Biteko, Tanzania’s Minister for Minerals, announced the ‘Cooperation in the Science and Technology’ panel discussion on ‘Nuclear Technologies for the Development of the African Region.’ The revelation surprised many given the fact that the East African country had been discreetly establishing the framework for its nuclear ambitions.