African countries are working to expand electricity access and production, with many turning to nuclear power to boost energy security, cut emissions, and improve reliability and sustainability.

What: Africa can benefit from the growing global momentum behind nuclear energy.

Why: Nuclear energy is a clean, reliable option to meet Africa’s rising energy needs.

What next: Africa needs infrastructure, financing, and cooperation to unlock its nuclear potential.

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA’s) new publication, Outlook for Nuclear Energy in Africa, developed for South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency, highlights nuclear energy as a clean, reliable option to meet the continent’s rising energy needs.

According to IAEA statistics, 31 countries operate nuclear power plants (NPPs) today. They produce 9% of the world’s electricity, meaning almost a quarter of global low-carbon power comes from nuclear energy.

With over 500 million people lacking electricity in Africa, more than 20 countries on the continent are now exploring the potential of nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs), says the IAEA. Case studies by the IAEA underscore the need for infrastructure, financing, and cooperation to unlock Africa’s nuclear development.

“Africa, vast in potential, is at a crucial juncture in its energy transition,” says IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Grossi. “Nuclear energy offers a proven, scalable and low-carbon path towards energy security. The IAEA is supporting countries across the continent that are looking to introduce nuclear energy, while putting safety, security, safeguards, the welfare of people and the environment first.”

IAEA’s new publication outlines the collaborative efforts between the agency and African countries in harnessing nuclear energy for sustainable growth and development, says Grossi.

Why nuclear

Nuclear energy offers reliable baseload power, strengthening grid stability and resilience, yet Africa continues to depend largely on fossil fuels for power generation. To improve energy security and lower emissions, several countries are considering nuclear power generation.

South Africa is the only country on the continent currently operating a nuclear power plant (NPP). Egypt, through collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom, is constructing an NPP with four large units, with the first one expected to be operational in 2028. Other countries, such as Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, have conducted their pre-feasibility studies and have made a firm decision to use nuclear technology for electricity generation. According to the IAEA, ten more countries are at various stages of consideration.

By 2050, Africa’s nuclear power sector is expected to expand significantly, reflecting broader growth in electricity generation across the continent. Total generating capacity is projected to rise by 47% by 2030 and nearly sevenfold by 2050 as countries scale up investments in new energy sources. Within this trend, nuclear power is poised to play an increasingly important, though still modest, role.

In a high case scenario by the IAEA, nuclear capacity could more than triple by 2030 and increase over tenfold by 2050 compared with 2022 levels, requiring investment of more than $100bn. In a low case scenario, capacity would approximately double by 2030 and grow fivefold by 2050. Despite these gains, nuclear energy would contribute only 1.4–3.3% of Africa’s electricity supply, below the current global average of 9.2% and projected global levels of 2–4.1% by 2050, says the agency.

Emerging technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs) offer particular advantages for African countries. These advanced nuclear reactors have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional reactors. Their smaller size and lower capital costs make SMRs suitable for grids with limited capacity, while also allowing multiple applications, from electricity generation to industrial use.

Coupled with Africa’s significant uranium resources, which can be leveraged to support domestic nuclear power and regional energy security, SMRs and conventional reactors together provide a pathway for more resilient and sustainable energy systems, says the report.

However, maximising these opportunities will require coordinated infrastructure development, financing strategies, and regional cooperation. By tapping into technical expertise, international partnerships, and local uranium production, African nations can integrate nuclear power effectively into their energy mix, supporting long-term security, decarbonisation, and economic growth across the continent.

The report also points out that South Africa’s existing nuclear supply chain, used for 40 years to operate the Koeberg NPP with high safety standards and reliability, could become a model for other countries. According to the IAEA, innovative financing and regional cooperation, supported by development finance institutions (DFIs) such as the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB), will be key to advancing new projects.

On June 26, the IAEA and the World Bank Group signed a landmark agreement formalising cooperation on nuclear energy, marking the bank’s first formal re-engagement in decades. This reflects growing global recognition of nuclear energy’s role in supporting inclusive growth and development of countries seeking to meet rising energy demands.

“The IAEA will continue to provide integrated support to African countries in their nuclear power development efforts. This support includes assistance with addressing infrastructure development, energy planning and financing challenges. The goal is to help African countries to safely achieve their nuclear power ambitions and improve energy security across the continent,” says the report.

African context

Ultimately, Africa’s pursuit of nuclear energy reflects a broader ambition to transform its energy landscape while addressing long-standing electricity deficits. With many African countries still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, nuclear power presents an opportunity to diversify energy sources, enhance reliability, and support sustainable development. Beyond electricity generation, nuclear technology can catalyse industrial growth, strengthen regional energy security, and provide a foundation for climate-conscious planning.

The continent’s growing engagement with considering both traditional nuclear reactors and innovative SMRs highlights a pragmatic approach, balancing large-scale capacity with adaptability for smaller grids and local needs. According to the report, strategic investments, robust regulatory frameworks, and regional cooperation will be critical to realising this potential.

As African nations continue to explore and implement nuclear solutions, the focus extends beyond infrastructure to encompass financing strategies, workforce development, and knowledge transfer, says the IAEA. With these elements in place, nuclear energy can become a key enabler of long-term economic growth, climate resilience, and broader energy access, positioning Africa to meet its future electricity needs sustainably and reliably.