Paris, France — Paul Kagame has reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to nuclear energy as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term development strategy, telling global leaders that reliable and abundant electricity will be critical for achieving Rwanda’s ambition of becoming a high-income nation by 2050.
Speaking at the Nuclear Energy Summit, Kagame said Rwanda is deliberately positioning nuclear power at the center of its future energy mix to support industrialization, digital transformation, and sustained economic growth.
“Rwanda aims to be a high-income country by 2050. That requires abundant electricity, and that is why we have decided to make nuclear energy central to our strategy,” the President said.
A Strategic Energy Shift for Rwanda
The summit, co-hosted by Emmanuel Macron and the International Atomic Energy Agency, convened heads of state, policymakers, and energy experts to discuss the role of nuclear energy in global climate goals, energy security, and sustainable development.
For Rwanda, nuclear power represents a long-term solution to meeting rising electricity demand driven by rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and the growth of the digital economy.
Kagame noted that dependable energy infrastructure is essential to powering manufacturing, innovation, and modern services, all of which are necessary to transform Rwanda into a competitive, knowledge-based economy.
Building the Foundations for Nuclear Energy
President Kagame emphasized that developing nuclear power goes far beyond constructing reactors. It requires strong governance, regulatory capacity, and human capital.
According to Kagame, Rwanda is already investing in the institutions and expertise necessary to responsibly develop nuclear technology.
“Achieving this requires strong institutions, sound regulation, and an educated workforce, and that is the foundation Rwanda is building,” he said.
Rwanda has been working closely with international partners, including the IAEA, to establish regulatory frameworks, develop nuclear science education programs, and build technical capacity to support the safe introduction of nuclear energy.
Energy experts say emerging technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could play a key role in enabling smaller economies like Rwanda to deploy nuclear power more efficiently and at lower upfront cost compared to traditional large nuclear plants.
SMRs are designed to be safer, scalable, and easier to integrate into smaller electricity grids, making them particularly attractive for developing countries seeking reliable baseload power.
Rwanda has previously explored partnerships with international technology providers to assess the feasibility of SMRs as part of its future energy mix.
Purpose of the Nuclear Energy Summit
The Nuclear Energy Summit aims to accelerate global cooperation on nuclear power as countries look for reliable, low-carbon energy sources to meet climate commitments and growing electricity demand.
Leaders at the summit also discussed how nuclear power can complement renewable energy sources such as solar and wind to provide stable, continuous electricity supply.
Rwanda Invites Global Partnerships
President Kagame concluded his remarks by inviting international partners, investors, and institutions to collaborate with Rwanda as it advances its nuclear energy ambitions.
“Rwanda is determined to do what it takes to power our development with nuclear energy, and we look forward to you being a part of this journey,” he said.
The move reflects Rwanda’s broader strategy of investing in long-term infrastructure and technology to sustain economic transformation and improve living standards for its citizens.
Powering Rwanda’s Future
With electricity demand expected to grow significantly over the coming decades, Rwanda views nuclear energy as a strategic investment that can ensure long-term energy security while supporting climate-friendly development.
As global interest in nuclear power resurges, Rwanda is positioning itself among African nations exploring advanced energy technologies to secure reliable power for the future.
