The governments of Rwanda and Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 19 to advance cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. The agreement was formalized during the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit in Kigali and outlines collaboration in nuclear medicine, scientific research, and personnel training.
According to Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo, the agreement supports Rwanda’s stated goals of developing its capabilities in technology and healthcare. Makolo confirmed that feasibility studies are underway for a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology, which would include a research reactor, and for a potential facility based on small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
In a statement, Makolo noted that the agreement with Russia’s state nuclear agency, Rosatom, is part of a broader strategy of international engagement. “In addition to Russian company Rosatom, Rwanda also signed MoUs with the US government on civil nuclear cooperation, as well as agreements with firms from South Africa and Austria,” she said.
As part of the initial phase of its nuclear program, Rwanda has started sending students to Russia to pursue degrees in nuclear engineering. The proposed Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology is planned to house laboratories, training facilities, and infrastructure for nuclear medicine.
The agreement has been interpreted by some international relations specialists as part of a wider trend. Russia has entered into similar nuclear cooperation agreements with several other African nations, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Professor Macharia Munene, a specialist in diplomacy and international relations, commented on the context of such agreements. “Russia is benefitting from weakening perceptions of Western consistency,” Munene said. “In the eyes of some African leaders, Moscow’s approach is more predictable: you get investment and training without strings attached.”
Rwanda’s foreign policy involves maintaining relationships with multiple global partners. The agreement was signed amid ongoing diplomatic discussions between Rwanda and other nations, including the United States and France. The U.S. has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which the Rwandan government has denied.
Analysts who follow nuclear development on the continent note that such projects are long-term undertakings. Beverly Ochieng, a senior analyst at the consultancy firm Control Risks, stated that many nuclear agreements focus on building technical capacity over several years.
“Most of Russia’s nuclear agreements are symbolic,” Ochieng said. “It may take a decade before these deals result in operational power plants.”
Nuclear programs require substantial financial investment, extensive regulatory oversight, and the development of a skilled workforce. For now, Rwanda’s efforts are concentrated on the foundational stages, including feasibility studies and training its first generation of nuclear specialists.
