Rwanda is intensifying efforts to harness nuclear energy as part of its broader strategy to accelerate economic growth, strengthen energy security and modernize critical sectors including healthcare, agriculture and industry.
The development comes as Rwanda hosts a four-day African conference on nuclear science and technology from May 18-21, bringing together experts, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss how nuclear innovation can support sustainable development across the continent.
Speaking to RBA, Infrastructure Minister Dr. Jimmy Gasore said Rwanda views nuclear technology as a strategic investment capable of transforming multiple sectors of the economy.
According to Dr. Gasore, the country expects nuclear energy to contribute significantly through electricity generation, industrial investment and specialized applications in sectors such as medicine and agriculture.
He emphasized that reliable energy remains central to economic transformation, noting that sectors including healthcare, manufacturing and education require stable electricity supply to expand and remain competitive.
Nuclear technology expected to boost healthcare and industrial development
Dr. Gasore said Rwanda also plans to benefit from nuclear applications in healthcare, particularly in cancer diagnosis and treatment through the production of radioactive medical materials currently imported at high cost.
He noted that local production of such materials would lower treatment costs and improve access to advanced healthcare services within the country.
In agriculture, nuclear technology is expected to support export quality assurance and food safety processes, especially in international product certification and inspection systems.
The minister further revealed that Rwanda has already invested in human capital development, with more than 200 Rwandans trained abroad over the past eight years in nuclear science and related technologies.
He said the next step is to operationalize the acquired expertise through concrete national projects.
Rwanda has continued strengthening partnerships in the nuclear energy sector, including cooperation agreements with Russia through the state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom.
The country aims to establish a nuclear-powered electricity plant by 2030 as part of efforts to diversify energy sources and support Rwanda’s long-term development ambitions.
