Unlocking Africa's potential: African experts meet to discuss nuclear science deployment

African experts, innovators and leaders are converging in Morocco to deliberate on the progress made in deploying nuclear science for socioeconomic development.

With a delegation from Kenya in attendance, the country aims to pioneer the establishment of infrastructure enabling the peaceful application of nuclear energy in the region.

Kenya's Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) CEO Justus Wabuyabo emphasized the crucial timing of the forum as Kenya stands on the cusp of initiating nuclear energy projects.

“The benefits of the meeting will see to it that Kenya is ready to be a designated regional hub in the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology,” Wabuyabo, who led the team said at the meeting.

“From the meeting, Kenya will be able to lay out an appropriate strategy to engage with all stakeholders with a view of explaining nuclear energy to propel Kenya into a middle-income country by 2030.”

Wabuyabo expressed optimism about the benefits Kenya would reap from the forum, envisioning a strategic engagement with stakeholders to propel the country into a middle-income status by 2030.

The annual meeting, organized by the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development, and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology, focuses on enhancing the impact of the International Atomic Energy Agency and Technical Cooperation Programme in Africa.

Kenya, represented by Wabuyabo as the national liaison officer, outlined plans to commence construction of a nuclear power plant in 2027.

The plant, situated in either Kilifi or Kwale, aligns with the government's broader strategy to diversify electricity generation, reduce power costs, and enhance clean energy capacity.

Beyond energy generation, Kenya envisions leveraging nuclear technology to transform sectors like agriculture and health.

The application of nuclear science could lead to the development of drought-resistant crops and advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Under the theme 'Moving Africa from Potential to Prosperity,' the Rabat meeting evaluated achievements, challenges, and opportunities in planning and implementing regional and national nuclear projects.

It also sought to align nuclear programs with national and regional priorities.

A major focus was on capacity building and infrastructure development among member states. African nations were urged to establish or expand training institutions and laboratories to cultivate a critical mass of scientists and technicians.

The forum emphasized the importance of setting up Atomic Energy Commissions to oversee nuclear endeavours.

Hamid Marah, Director General of Morocco’s National Center for Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology, emphasized the need to enhance national and regional capacities in nuclear sciences.

Marah called on African countries to deepen the culture of nuclear safety and security and create awareness about the benefits of peaceful nuclear applications.

The AFRA outlined five strategic goals for the period 2024-2028, emphasizing sustainable contributions of nuclear science and technology, mutual assistance and regional cooperation, nuclear safety, awareness creation, and good governance.

Saïd Mouline, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security, highlighted the agency's objective to enhance the impact of IAEA Technical Cooperation Projects in Africa.

He praised the IAEA's continuous support, noting its role in empowering African countries to apply nuclear knowledge across various fields.

Nuclear science and technology emerged as crucial elements in addressing climate change, industry decarbonization, and seawater desalination, showcasing their pivotal role in Africa's socio-economic development.

The forum laid the groundwork for innovative approaches to move the continent from potential to prosperity through nuclear science and technology.