By Kestér Kenn KLOMEGÂH
In this interview (Q&A), Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa, explains significant aspects of adopting and step-by-step procedures for building nuclear power plants. Nuclear energy sector has been a hot topic, not only for African governments, but also across the world where countries plan to operate nuclear power plants as a sustainable energy supply. Here are the interview excerpts:
How would you characterize Rosatom’s model of nuclear energy development in Africa? And do you believe the increasing number of bilateral nuclear agreements with African countries concretely show prospects for a new energy architecture in the continent?
Ryan Collyer: Rosatom’s model of nuclear development in Africa is comprehensive and long-term. It is based on strategic partnerships, strong human capital development, and technology transfer. We see each cooperation not simply as a construction project but as a national development partnership one that includes energy security, industrial growth, localization, and education.
The growing number of bilateral agreements clearly reflects a shift: African countries are taking ownership of their future energy mix and are increasingly viewing nuclear as a viable and necessary component. The continent’s rising population and industrial ambitions cannot be met sustainably without reliable, clean baseload energy and nuclear uniquely offers that.
After the first and second Russia-Africa summits, there were explicit indications of building nuclear plants, but so far there is only one construction, on a US$25 billion loan in El Dabaa, Egypt. Is there any financial mechanism to support the construction, for example, in South Africa and Burkina Faso which have attracted resonating symbolism in the foreign media?
RC: Each project has its own financial configuration based on the host country’s economy, credit structure, and energy needs. Egypt’s El Dabaa plant is a landmark project, but it is not the only one in motion, we are in advanced discussions with several African countries on nuclear power plants, including large-scale and small modular formats, both land-based and floating.
Rosatom is open to flexible financial models, including intergovernmental agreements, build-own-operate schemes, and public-private partnerships. In some cases, concessional financing or tied export credit can be considered. What’s essential is that nuclear projects are not short-term infrastructure deals, they are 100-year partnerships that require national commitment, not just funding. We work closely with governments to ensure financing aligns with their long-term development strategies.
Concretely what have been the existing challenges and, most probably, the main obstacles in tackling energy deficits in Africa? What are your arguments over narratives which also suggested ‘energy mix’ to be adopted in Africa?
RC: Rosatom fully supports a diverse energy mix. Africa’s energy future will and should include renewables, hydro, gas, and nuclear. What we argue for is a balanced mix that includes baseload generation. Solar and wind are excellent additions, but they are intermittent. Nuclear is the only carbon-free energy source that operates 24/7 and can underpin grid stability, enabling renewables to thrive.
Can we also discuss the training of nuclear energy specialists and engineers for Africa, at least over the past few years? Approximately how many engineers have graduated during the past decade? Is there any possibility to grant more scholarships in the future, Russia is not operating a charity though?
RC: Human capital development is at the heart of our approach in Africa. Over the past decade, more than 300 African students, including from countries like South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda, have studied nuclear and engineering disciplines at top Russian universities such as MEPhI (National Research Nuclear University). Many of them are now employed in energy ministries, regulatory bodies, and utilities in their home countries.
These scholarships are part of a strategic investment. We believe that for any nuclear program to be sustainable, it must be underpinned by local capacity. That’s why we are continuously expanding educational partnerships and plan to increase scholarships and technical training programs in the coming years.
Despite the existing challenges and multiple difficulties facing Africa’s energy sector, how prepared is Russia, in practical terms, to support long-term energy solutions for improving the quality of life for the estimated 1.4 billion people in Africa? What are the future perspectives for collaborating in the energy sector in the continent?
RC: Russia, through Rosatom, is fully committed to Africa’s long-term energy development. Our readiness is not theoretical, we bring 80 years of nuclear expertise, a full-cycle offering from uranium to decommissioning, and practical experience building the world’s most modern nuclear plants.
We see Africa not just as a market, but as a strategic partner. In addition to large nuclear power plants, we offer flexible, scalable solutions like small modular reactors and floating nuclear power plants, ideal for regions with limited grid access or infrastructure. These technologies can power mines, desalination plants, and isolated communities, enabling localized development.
Beyond power generation, we are also exploring partnerships in nuclear medicine, non-energy isotopes, research reactors, and food irradiation. The future collaboration is broad, deep, and mutually beneficial.
Nevertheless, Africa holds its breath for Russia’s nuclear power technology. And from the in-depth discussions above, what would be the specific roles of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)?
RC: The IAEA plays a critical role as a neutral regulator and enabler of nuclear development worldwide. In Africa, the IAEA supports countries in establishing the legal, regulatory, and infrastructural frameworks necessary for launching peaceful nuclear programs.
Rosatom works in full compliance with IAEA standards and encourages all partner countries to engage closely with the Agency from the very beginning. The IAEA provides guidance through its Milestones Approach, which helps newcomer countries build responsible and safe nuclear energy programs. In our experience, the presence of the IAEA in these processes only strengthens transparency, public trust, and global cooperation.
