• Africa’s adoption of small modular reactors (SMRs) varies widely, revealing gaps in regulatory and institutional readiness.

• Ghana and Rwanda lead with active projects and partnerships, while countries like Egypt and Nigeria proceed cautiously.

• Experts call for a harmonized continental framework to unlock Africa’s full SMR potential and avoid falling behind global trends.

Nearly 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). To address this, many see small modular reactors (SMRs) as a stable, low-carbon solution to boost energy access.

However, Africa’s progress on SMRs remains uneven. Some countries announce multiple partnerships and projects, while others move slowly. This patchy pace exposes real differences in preparedness.

Not all interested countries have the same regulatory frameworks, international cooperation, or institutional capacity. Some already have the tools to launch SMR projects under controlled conditions, while others lag behind.

Early Movers Lead the Way

Ghana stands out. It has operated a research reactor since 1994. Last year, Ghana signed a cooperation deal with NuScale Power, a U.S. SMR designer, and Regnum Technology Group, a local firm specializing in nuclear projects and infrastructure.

The agreement targets deploying the VOYGR-12 SMR model. It includes feasibility studies and a roadmap to integrate SMRs into Ghana’s energy strategy. The project enjoys support from the U.S. FIRST program, which backs civil nuclear energy.

Rwanda also shows momentum. It created the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board to lead its nuclear strategy. The country launched phase two of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) evaluation process, which guides civil nuclear program preparation.

In 2023, Rwanda signed memoranda with Dual Fluid, a German-Canadian firm developing a liquid-fuel prototype reactor, and Nano Nuclear Energy, a U.S. company specializing in portable micro-reactors.

Cautious Progress Elsewhere

In contrast, Egypt moves cautiously. It focuses on building the conventional El Dabaa nuclear plant with Russia’s Rosatom. This $30 billion project, mostly funded by a Russian loan, ranks among Egypt’s largest energy ventures.

Nigeria shows similar hesitation. Though it operates a small research reactor (NIRR-1), it has yet to start any SMR projects. Its Rosatom nuclear plant partnership remains stalled due to financial issues.

These examples show that countries advancing SMRs usually have basic regulatory or technical foundations and structured international support.

A Critical Moment for Africa

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) warns that Africa must create a harmonized continental framework to fully tap SMR potential. It stresses regional regulatory and technical cooperation as vital.

Despite growing interest, Africa remains a minor player in the global SMR project portfolio as of early 2025, according to Wood Mackenzie. This marginal role highlights the urgent need for a common strategy to avoid missing out on initial deployment waves.

This article was initially published in French by Abdel-Latif Boureima
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum