Russia is increasingly interested in Africa's nuclear power sector for strategic, economic, and geopolitical reasons. Rosatom, Russia's state-owned nuclear corporation, holds about 70% of the global export market for new nuclear power plants and has signed agreements with 15 African countries to develop nuclear energy programs. This surge in engagement is driven by a combination of strategic, economic, and geopolitical factors that align with Moscow's broader aspirations to expand its influence globally.

African nations like Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, and South Africa have signed agreements with Russian investors to develop nuclear energy programs. These agreements reflect Russia's ambitious move to expand its geopolitical influence and position itself as a leader in addressing the continent's energy challenges. By entering the African energy market, Russia seeks to position itself as a key partner in addressing the continent's energy needs while simultaneously advancing its own interests.

Many parts of Africa face unreliable electricity supplies, creating opportunities for Russia's nuclear industry while allowing it to expand political influence on the continent, especially as its ties with the West deteriorate over the war in Ukraine. From an economic perspective, Africa's energy deficit presents a significant opportunity for Russia. Rosatom currently holds about 70% of the global export market for the construction of new nuclear power plants, with exports exceeding $10 billion in 2022 and a schedule of upcoming international orders amounting to about $200 billion over the next 10 years.

Nuclear energy offers a reliable, scalable, and long-term solution to Africa's energy gaps. Rosatom has undertaken several projects with various African nations to develop nuclear energy programs. For instance, Burkina Faso signed an agreement to construct a nuclear power plant aimed at doubling electricity production by 2030 and meeting the population's energy needs. Similarly, Zimbabwe signed an agreement with Russian investors to build small modular nuclear reactors to address power shortages, with plans to boost energy capacity from 2,600 MW to 4,000 MW by 2035.

Other African countries that have signed agreements with Russia include Mali, Algeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda, Guinea, Burundi, Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria. These agreements cover a range of areas, including nuclear infrastructure development, legal regulation, research, radioisotope production for industry, medicine, and agriculture, radiation technologies, nuclear medicine, and personnel training.

Russia's growing influence in Africa's nuclear sector has sparked controversies, with some nations opposing Russia's growing focus on the continent. However, for many African nations, nuclear energy offers a reliable and scalable solution to their energy challenges. As Russia continues to expand its influence in Africa's nuclear sector, it remains to be seen how this will impact the continent's energy landscape and Russia's global ambitions.

With Russia's nuclear industry poised to play a significant role in addressing Africa's energy challenges, it is essential to monitor the developments in this sector and their implications for the continent's energy future. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy security, Russia's expanding influence in Africa's nuclear sector is a story that will continue to unfold in the coming years.