Rwanda says it is preparing to deploy nuclear science and technology to support national development, with plans to use nuclear energy in electricity generation, healthcare, agriculture, research and industry.
State Minister in the Ministry of Infrastructure Armand Zingiro outlined the plans while representing Rwanda at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, held from September 14 to 18, 2026.
Zingiro said Rwanda considers nuclear technology an important pillar in achieving the goals of Vision 2050, particularly by expanding electricity generation and advancing healthcare, food production, research and industry.
He said Rwanda’s nuclear energy programme has moved beyond the policy stage and is now being implemented. The country plans to have a nuclear power plant operational by 2030, with a long-term target of reaching 1,500 megawatts of nuclear generation capacity by 2050.
In March 2026, the IAEA conducted an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission to assess Rwanda’s preparedness, including its ability to develop the infrastructure needed to use nuclear technology safely and in line with international standards.
Rwanda is also preparing to establish a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology, which is expected to cost nearly $500 million. The centre will focus on research, training and developing specialists needed to support the country’s nuclear programme.
In healthcare, Rwanda is working with the IAEA through the Rays of Hope initiative to strengthen its capacity to diagnose and treat cancer. The programme includes expanding access to technologies such as PET scans and developing radiopharmaceuticals used in disease diagnosis.
Rwanda says it needs to generate more than 5,000 megawatts of electricity to meet its long-term energy needs, compared with its current installed capacity of about 406 megawatts.
The government sees nuclear power as one of the options that could help close this gap and provide the large-scale electricity supply needed to support the country’s development ambitions.
Zingiro also highlighted the importance of developing a skilled workforce to support the nuclear programme. In May 2026, Rwanda signed agreements with the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) and Allweld Training Academy Pty Ltd to strengthen nuclear security, technical expertise and training.
He said African countries need access to nuclear technology, financing and skilled professionals for nuclear energy programmes to move from policy ambitions to practical implementation.
