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Africa’s nuclear power ambitions are moving closer to reality as several countries advance plans to develop nuclear energy projects to address electricity shortages, support industrial growth and improve energy security.
While South Africa remains the continent’s only country operating a commercial nuclear power plant, Egypt is progressing with the construction of the 4,800 megawatt El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. Meanwhile, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and Nigeria are developing regulatory structures, partnerships and financing strategies to establish new nuclear markets.
The developments are expected to feature prominently at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 during the Power Africa Today conference, where industry leaders, policymakers, regulators and investors will discuss the future of nuclear energy deployment across the continent.
Egypt currently hosts Africa’s largest civil nuclear project, with the El Dabaa facility being built by Russia’s Rosatom. The four-reactor project, estimated to cost between $28.75 billion and $30 billion, is largely financed through a $25 billion Russian state loan. Egyptian authorities expect the first reactor to begin supplying electricity in the second half of 2028, with the remaining units scheduled to become operational by 2030.
South Africa is also expanding its nuclear strategy beyond its existing Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, which generates about 1,940 megawatts and supplies roughly five per cent of the country’s electricity. The plant’s two reactors have received 20-year operating extensions, allowing them to continue running into the 2040s.
The country plans to add 5,200 megawatts of new nuclear capacity by 2039–2040, including a proposed 4,000 megawatt development near Koeberg. South Africa is also exploring small modular reactor (SMR) technology as part of efforts to expand its nuclear capacity.
Beyond Egypt and South Africa, emerging nuclear markets are developing across Africa. Ghana is targeting about 1,000 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2038, while Kenya has selected KenGen as the future operator of its planned 2,000 megawatt nuclear facility. Rwanda and Nigeria are also advancing SMR plans, with Nigeria focusing on smaller technologies that better fit its power system.
Industry experts say financing remains a major challenge for nuclear expansion, as large-scale projects require significant long-term investment. However, smaller reactor technologies are gaining attention because of their lower costs, shorter construction periods and suitability for countries with smaller electricity grids.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of African Energy Chamber, said reliable electricity will remain critical to Africa’s economic future.
“Reliable baseload electricity will remain fundamental to Africa’s industrial future. Nuclear energy offers an important opportunity to strengthen energy security, diversify generation and support sustainable economic growth across the continent,” Ayuk said.
As African nations seek to combine nuclear power with renewable energy, gas and hydropower, discussions at AEW 2026 are expected to focus on how governments and investors can overcome regulatory and financial barriers to deliver dependable electricity for long-term development.
