By STAFF REPORTER
12 November 2026 – The world is witnessing a renewed interest in nuclear energy as countries increasingly recognise its potential to strengthen energy security, drive industrial development and support the transition to cleaner energy. However, while the global nuclear renaissance presents significant opportunities, its success will depend on how effectively governments address the financial, institutional, technical and political challenges that could stand in the way of implementation.
The North West University (NWU) principal and vice chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said participation in a side event on nuclear power in Africa at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, followed by the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power hosted by the Republic of Korea in Incheon from 27 to 29 October 2026, reinforced his conviction that nuclear energy is once again becoming a major feature of national development strategies. Tyobeka said across these international engagements, discussions increasingly focused on energy security, industrialisation, decarbonisation and the human capital required to deliver sustainable nuclear programmes.
“This momentum is evident in several countries. Poland is advancing preparations for its first nuclear power station, Kazakhstan has selected Rosatom to lead the consortium for its first plant, while Viet Nam is rebuilding the institutional foundations of its revived nuclear programme.
“Egypt and Türkiye already have nuclear reactors under construction. Although these countries are at different stages of development, their efforts demonstrate a growing determination to incorporate nuclear energy into their long-term economic and energy strategies. Africa is also positioning itself to participate in this emerging nuclear landscape,” he said.
Tyobeka further said the Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow in late October 2026, hosted by President Vladimir Putin, highlighted growing interest in nuclear cooperation between Russia and several African countries. He added that Ghana’s Foreign Minister subsequently announced cooperation with Russia towards developing a 2000-megawatt nuclear power plant.
“Rosatom also reported discussions on large nuclear power plants with Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia and Egypt, as well as floating nuclear power plants with Egypt, Tanzania, Togo and Namibia. Rwanda, meanwhile, signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at assessing and developing its nuclear infrastructure, building on cooperation involving a small nuclear power plant and a nuclear science and technology centre.
“These developments are encouraging, but it is important to distinguish between political announcements, exploratory discussions, infrastructure agreements and fully financed construction projects. An agreement to explore nuclear cooperation does not automatically translate into electricity generation,” said Tyobeka.
He said the real challenge lies in turning political ambition into operational power stations capable of delivering reliable and affordable electricity. Tyobeka said South Africa has also reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its nuclear energy capacity.
Tyobeka said the country’s Integrated Resource Plan 2025 provides for an additional 5 200 megawatts of nuclear generation capacity by 2039.
“I support nuclear expansion, but I believe we must be equally honest about the obstacles that could undermine its success. The first major challenge is securing affordable and sustainable financing. Nuclear power projects require substantial capital investment long before they begin generating revenue.
“Construction delays increase financing costs, while foreign-currency borrowing exposes projects to exchange-rate fluctuations. A construction quotation that initially appears competitive can therefore result in electricity tariffs that consumers and businesses cannot afford,” he said.
Picture: NWU principal and vice chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka/Supplied
