Rwanda has partnered with developers of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor technologies as part of its efforts to advance the national nuclear energy programme, Fidele Ndahayo, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), announced at the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna.

The country is pursuing SMRs with capacities below 300 megawatts, with each megawatt sufficient to supply power to approximately 3,000 residential homes. The cost per megawatt is estimated between $2 million and $3 million. According to Ndahayo, this approach positions Rwanda as a proof-of-concept destination while facilitating knowledge and technology transfer.

Rwanda’s nuclear programme currently comprises two principal initiatives: the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology and a nuclear power plant project based on SMRs. These projects are intended to meet national requirements across multiple sectors, including electricity generation, human health, agriculture, water resource management, and industrial applications.

“Our national nuclear policy, complemented by updated nuclear legislation, provides a framework for the safe, secure, and sustainable use of nuclear science and technology,” Ndahayo stated. He emphasised that Rwanda continues to strengthen its independent nuclear regulatory authority to ensure effective oversight of nuclear activities.

Rwanda hosted the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa in Kigali earlier this year and is scheduled to host the 2026 summit on 18–19 May. The country will also host a series of International Atomic Energy Agency missions, including the International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS), the Regulatory Infrastructure for Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security (RISS), the Integrated Mission of the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (imPACT), and, in 2026, the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) and Integrated Safety Review Service (INSERV).

“These missions will provide essential guidance to ensure that Rwanda continues to develop its nuclear energy programme in full compliance with international safety, security, and safeguards obligations,” Ndahayo added.