MWE Correspondent
President Samia Suluhu Hassan held high-level talks with International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi on the sidelines of a major continental summit focused on the future of nuclear energy development in Africa.
The meeting took place during the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA) currently underway in Rwanda, where heads of state, energy experts, investors and international organizations have gathered to discuss how nuclear technology could help transform Africa’s energy sector and accelerate industrial growth.
Discussions between President Samia and Grossi centered on expanding cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy development, strengthening technical partnerships and supporting Africa’s transition toward more reliable and sustainable energy systems.
The summit comes at a time when many African countries are facing rising electricity demand, industrialization pressures and growing calls for diversified energy sources capable of supporting long-term economic transformation.
Organizers say the conference is exploring how nuclear energy can contribute to increased electricity generation, support manufacturing industries and attract strategic investment into large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent.
Analysts note that Africa remains one of the world’s least electrified regions despite possessing enormous economic and natural resource potential. As a result, several governments are increasingly examining alternative energy technologies to reduce power shortages and improve energy security.
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The participation of Tanzania at the summit reflects the country’s broader efforts to modernize its energy sector and position itself within emerging global discussions surrounding advanced energy technologies.
Officials attending the summit said nuclear innovation is also being discussed in relation to healthcare, agriculture, scientific research and climate resilience, areas where nuclear technologies are increasingly being applied beyond electricity generation alone.
The involvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency has further highlighted growing international interest in supporting Africa’s energy transition through technical expertise, regulatory frameworks and investment partnerships.
The Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA) is expected to produce new cooperation agreements and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening continental collaboration on energy development and innovation.
Meanwhile, Tanzania continues expanding broader infrastructure and industrial initiatives under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the country seeks to accelerate economic growth and regional competitiveness.
As global energy demand continues rising, African leaders attending the Kigali summit say access to modern, stable and affordable energy will remain central to the continent’s future economic ambitions and industrial transformation.
