Africa’s growing interest in nuclear energy is shifting from ambition to implementation, but financing, grid readiness and regional cooperation remain some of the biggest hurdles facing countries pursuing nuclear power programmes.
These were among the central themes discussed during the “Hot Seat Debate” at Enlit Africa, where speakers and delegates explored the practical realities of developing nuclear energy across the continent.
Opening the discussion, moderator Lukhanyo Ndube of Eskom noted that the conversation had evolved considerably over the past year: “It wasn’t rhetoric that has happened in the last one year. We have actual reactors being built, we have MOUs, we have orders for reactor components.”
Rather than debating whether Africa should pursue nuclear energy, the discussion focused on the challenges countries now face as projects move towards execution.
The session heard that many African countries are currently at different stages of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) milestone approach for developing nuclear programmes.
South Africa remains the continent’s only operator of a commercial nuclear power station, while also preparing for a new nuclear build programme.
Delegates from Kenya explained that the country has entered Phase Two of the milestone approach, identified an owner-operator, completed stakeholder engagement and site identification, and is continuing work after its original preferred site was rejected by the local community.
Participants also noted that several newcomer countries are still establishing nuclear legislation, regulatory authorities and public engagement processes while exploring financing options.
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Throughout the discussion, financing emerged as the most significant barrier to expanding nuclear power across Africa.
The presentation outlined several possible financing approaches, including:
However, speakers stressed that no single solution would be sufficient. “No single funding model is enough.”
Instead, successful projects would require layered financing, strong institutions, regional cooperation and long-term policy certainty to build investor confidence.
Delegates also discussed the importance of governments demonstrating commitment during the early development stages.
One participant noted that delays in funding preparatory work can weaken vendor confidence.
“The vendor is not seeing the traction from government… they are not seeing the national budget really aligned towards the lead time in preparing for the nuclear programme.”
Another major focus was whether many African electricity grids are currently capable of supporting large nuclear power stations.
The presentation described what was referred to as the “grid nuclear paradox”, the fact that large nuclear plants require strong, stable transmission systems, while many African grids remain relatively small or fragile.
Delegates argued that grid investment must form part of any nuclear programme rather than being treated as a separate issue.
A participant from Ghana suggested that small modular reactors (SMRs) could provide a more practical option for many countries.
“Most African countries’ grids are very small… most of the countries are drifting towards more modular reactors, which can easily be accommodated into the grid.”
For larger reactors, regional cooperation was presented as a more viable approach, allowing multiple countries to jointly finance projects while strengthening interconnected power systems.
Cross-border collaboration featured repeatedly throughout the debate.
Participants highlighted the importance of bilateral agreements, regional power pools and shared infrastructure to improve project viability and distribute financial risk.
One delegate suggested that regional nuclear projects could provide electricity across multiple countries while encouraging investment in stronger regional transmission networks.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of countries sharing expertise, skills and experience as more African nations begin developing nuclear programmes.
“African countries should be able to support the other countries who have started in the pre-phase stage because energy poverty leads to a lot of economic crises.”
The session also examined the implications of extending the operating life of existing nuclear power stations.
Using South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station as an example, the presentation described the extension from 40 to 60 years of operation as a “60-year marriage”, requiring careful long-term planning from the outset.
Speakers explained that long-term operation involves more than simply keeping a plant running. Ageing infrastructure, replacement of obsolete equipment, updated safety standards, environmental reviews, refurbishment costs, waste management and eventual decommissioning all become increasingly important over time.
The discussion emphasised that extending the life of an existing facility can be economically attractive, but only where operators and regulators can demonstrate that safety, ageing and environmental obligations remain fully under control.
Delegates also touched on the evolving role of international financial institutions.
A question from the audience explored the implications of the World Bank’s willingness to finance nuclear energy projects, particularly for African countries already carrying significant debt burdens.
The response suggested that African governments should diversify their funding sources rather than relying on a single lender.
The discussion also considered opportunities presented by the New Development Bank and BRICS, with speakers suggesting these institutions may offer alternative financing mechanisms and technology partnerships alongside more traditional funding models.
Closing the discussion, speakers argued that Africa is well positioned to shape its own nuclear future as interest in nuclear energy continues to grow across the continent.
Professor Jo-Ansie of UNISA described the current momentum as more than a global trend: “The nuclear renaissance is in effect an African nuclear renaissance.”
The session concluded that achieving this ambition will depend on strong regional cooperation, careful financial planning, robust institutions and governments working together to negotiate financing, technology partnerships and long-term policy frameworks that support sustainable nuclear development across Africa.
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