Dr. Ndahayo explained that the meeting was organized because constructing a nuclear power plant requires extensive preparation and coordination.
“The objective is to ensure that everything possible sourced locally contributes to implementing the nuclear energy project. When such projects are properly executed at a high level, they can significantly boost a country’s economic growth,” he said.
On May 16, experts and representatives from different African countries gathered to discuss how large nuclear energy projects could be developed across the continent and how financing could be secured.
Dr. Ndahayo noted that many African countries face financial limitations.
“This was organized because many African countries struggle with limited financial resources. These projects require enormous investments, sometimes exceeding a country’s national budget or GDP, making financing difficult,” he explained.
He added that UNECA conducted a study exploring financing mechanisms that could help developing countries mobilize enough resources to build nuclear power facilities.
Dr. Ndahayo further revealed that an assessment conducted by experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency found that Rwanda has made significant progress in building the capacity required to use nuclear energy safely and effectively. He said this demonstrates that the country is on the right path and that construction activities could realistically begin in 2028.
“Our target is that by 2028, we should begin constructing a power plant that generates electricity from nuclear energy,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that many requirements still need to be fulfilled within the next two years, including selecting the technology to be used, identifying funding sources, and securing construction partners.
“All the requirements are substantial within this two-year period. We must have identified the technology we will use, secured financing sources, and selected the companies that will build the plant so that by 2028 we can lay the foundation stone,” he explained.
He also noted that Rwanda’s hosting of the International Conference on the Development of Nuclear Energy for Civilian Use, scheduled from May 18 to 21, 2026, is an important step toward attracting potential partners for the project.
Dr. Ndahayo disclosed that six possible sites across Rwanda have already been identified for the future nuclear power plant, though detailed feasibility studies are still ongoing.
“We have identified six locations in the country that meet preliminary requirements, including access to water, absence of steep mountains, low earthquake risk, and limited human activity nearby,” he said.
He emphasized that identifying the locations is only the beginning, as extensive geological and environmental assessments must still be conducted.
“Finding potential sites is not enough. The next step is carrying out in-depth studies. Even when constructing a seven-story building, engineers first analyze the ground conditions. Imagine the level of assessment required for a nuclear plant,” he said.
“You may need to go 100 meters underground to confirm whether the site is truly suitable. It would not be appropriate to disclose the locations now because studies are still ongoing.”
Rwanda aims to have a functioning nuclear power plant generating electricity before 2030.
