Africa explores nuclear energy amid global competition and crisis

Source: The post Africa explores nuclear energy amid global competition and crisis has been created, based on the article “Advantage China in Africa’s nuclear energy market race” published in “The Hindu” on 29 March 2025. Africa explores nuclear energy amid global competition and crisis.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Context: The Russia-Ukraine war exposed Europe’s energy vulnerability, prompting a global rethink on energy security. Although Africa is geographically distant, the crisis affected it too. African countries are now exploring nuclear energy as a long-term solution to expand electricity access and strengthen their energy mix.

For detailed information on Status of Nuclear Energy in India read this article here

Africa’s Emerging Nuclear Energy Sector

1. France’s Decline: Once the dominant player, France is now losing its hold, especially in Francophone Africa.

2. U.S. Initiatives: Since 2023, the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) has been held. However, future progress depends on U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on nuclear expansion in Africa.
3. Russia’s Slow Progress: Russia has signed nuclear agreements with Egypt, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Burundi. Its firm Rosatom is building a reactor in El Dabaa, Egypt, but progress is slow. Due to economic challenges and sanctions, Russia may struggle to fund projects in distant African countries, despite MoUs with pro-Russian governments.
4. South Korea’s Entry: South Korea, through KHNP, has shown growing interest in investing in Africa’s nuclear sector.

China’s Strategic Lead

1. China has become the leading player. Since 2012, it has trained African students through scholarships in partnership with the IAEA to promote its procedures and technologies.

2. Its state-owned giants — China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) — lead its efforts.
3. At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Nigeria signed an MoU with China for complete cooperation in nuclear plant development and operation.
4. Uganda also signed an MoU to build a 2 GW plant, with the first 1 GW unit set to start by 2031.
5. Kenya plans to have a research reactor by 2030, while Ghana is working with U.S. and Chinese firms on SMRs and large reactors.

Implications for India

1. India currently generates 8,180 MW of nuclear power and aims to reach 100 GW by 2047.

2. To achieve this, India must secure uranium supplies from Africa. It has signed a nuclear deal with Namibia and is exploring projects in Niger and Namibia.
3. However, China’s dominance and stronger financial capacity may restrict India’s access to African uranium and reduce its role in the continent’s nuclear future, threatening India’s long-term energy security.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the Russia-Ukraine war influenced Africa’s interest in nuclear energy and the global competition shaping its nuclear future.