Russia is seeking a bigger stake in Africa’s energy future, with its state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, holding talks with Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia and Egypt over large nuclear power stations that could reshape how some of the continent’s economies generate electricity.
For African governments struggling to meet rising electricity demand, the attraction is clear. Nuclear power promises a steady supply of energy for factories, mines and growing cities. But building a nuclear station is a costly undertaking, and the decisions made today could leave countries tied to foreign technology, financing and technical support for decades.
Moscow pushes nuclear expansion
Rosatom chief executive Alexei Likhachev confirmed on Friday, October 30, that the company was discussing large nuclear projects with the four African countries.
Speaking after the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, Likhachev said the company was prepared to supply nuclear stations of different sizes and configurations, depending on each country’s needs.
‘Our partnership is based on the principle that Africa is diverse, and we have a tailored approach for each country that goes beyond a single project,’ he said.
The summit brought together representatives from about 50 African countries, with nuclear cooperation featuring prominently in discussions.
President Vladimir Putin said African governments had expressed interest in conventional nuclear stations, smaller reactor technologies and nuclear applications in medicine and agriculture.
Russia’s involvement goes well beyond selling reactors. In an official statement on its African partnerships, Rosatom said it was active in 29 African countries and currently supported 370 students from 26 countries studying nuclear-related subjects in Russia.
For Moscow, those relationships could prove valuable long after the summit speeches are forgotten.
Ghana and Ethiopia explore their options
Ghana’s inclusion is particularly significant because President John Dramani Mahama has placed industrialisation at the centre of his economic agenda.
Speaking at the Moscow summit on October 29, Mahama confirmed discussions with Rosatom over Ghana’s first nuclear power station.
His argument was straightforward: Ghana cannot build the industrial economy it wants without dependable electricity.
As Africa Briefing detailed in its coverage of Ghana’s nuclear power talks with Russia, the country already has nuclear development arrangements involving Chinese and American companies.
That leaves an important question unanswered. Is Russia offering an alternative to those partnerships, or could Rosatom become part of a broader nuclear programme?
For now, there is no announced construction contract, agreed financing package or timetable for a Russian-backed Ghanaian plant.
Ethiopia has made more progress in its preliminary discussions.
In an October 29 interview with Interfax, Likhachev said the two sides had signed a roadmap covering 2026 and 2027, with work under way to identify a suitable location for Ethiopia’s first large nuclear station.
Uganda is also among the countries discussing large reactors with Rosatom, although Friday’s announcement did not establish that a final construction agreement had been signed.
These distinctions matter. Interest in nuclear technology does not automatically translate into a financed power station.
Egypt shows what is possible
Egypt offers a glimpse of what a fully developed Russian nuclear partnership looks like.
Rosatom is already constructing the El Dabaa nuclear power station on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, with four reactors designed to generate a combined 4,800 megawatts of electricity.
It is a major undertaking, involving thousands of workers and years of construction.
Egypt is now considering adding two more reactors, potentially increasing the station’s generating capacity to 7,200 megawatts.
The expansion remains under discussion, but the existing development gives Rosatom something it cannot yet point to in Ghana, Uganda or Ethiopia: a large nuclear project already being built.
When El Dabaa begins operating, it will join South Africa’s Koeberg station, currently the continent’s only operating commercial nuclear power plant.
For other African governments considering nuclear energy, Egypt’s experience will be closely watched, particularly the final costs, delivery timetable and electricity produced.
Floating reactors enter the picture
Russia is also promoting a smaller and potentially more flexible approach.
Rosatom says nine African countries have expressed significant interest in floating nuclear power plants, with detailed discussions involving Egypt, Tanzania, Togo and Namibia.
Unlike conventional stations, these facilities place smaller reactors aboard specially designed vessels that can supply electricity to coastal locations.
The idea could appeal to countries with smaller electricity grids or industrial centres that need reliable power but cannot easily accommodate a large nuclear station.
In Tanzania, Rosatom has identified Zanzibar as a priority location for possible floating nuclear technology.
However, interest is still some distance from deployment. Governments must assess costs, safety arrangements, environmental risks and the regulatory requirements of operating nuclear facilities offshore.
No construction commitments were confirmed for the proposed African floating plants.
Who will pay for Africa’s nuclear future?
Behind the diplomatic announcements lies a question African governments cannot afford to overlook: who will pay for these projects, and at what cost?
Nuclear power stations can provide electricity for many decades, but they require substantial investment long before generating any revenue.
A country also needs trained engineers, an independent regulator, emergency response systems and a reliable plan for handling radioactive waste.
The IAEA’s nuclear infrastructure guidance identifies 19 areas that countries must address when developing nuclear power, from financing and legislation to safety and workforce development.
Those obligations continue long after construction ends.
There is also the question of dependence on foreign suppliers. Nuclear agreements may involve long-term arrangements for fuel, maintenance, replacement components and specialist expertise.
Such partnerships can help African countries acquire skills and infrastructure they do not yet possess. But governments must ensure that the benefits outweigh the financial commitments.
The issue is especially relevant as Russia’s wider economic relationship with Africa comes under scrutiny, with questions about how much tangible investment Moscow’s diplomatic outreach is delivering.
Promises must become electricity
Russia clearly sees an opportunity in Africa’s growing demand for power.
For Moscow, nuclear projects could open valuable markets while strengthening relationships with governments looking for investment and technology beyond their traditional partners.For African countries, however, the calculation is different.
Ghana needs electricity to support its manufacturing ambitions. Ethiopia wants to expand its generating capacity. Uganda is exploring ways to meet future demand, while Egypt is already investing heavily in nuclear generation.
Their interests overlap with Russia’s, but they are not identical.
The nuclear discussions also fit into Moscow’s broader expansion of diplomatic ties across Africa, although stronger political relationships do not guarantee commercially viable projects.
What matters now is whether the proposed stations make economic sense, whether the countries involved can afford them and whether the electricity will eventually reach the homes and businesses that need it.
Russia has shown that it wants a larger role in Africa’s energy future. African governments must decide what that role should look like, how much it will cost, and who will carry the risks.
Credit: Africa Briefing
