Kigali, 25 February 2026 (ECA) — Rwanda Atomic Energy Board in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, is convening a two-day national workshop. The event serves as a consultative platform for government institutions, the private sector, and academia to assess opportunities for integrating Rwanda’s industries into nuclear energy supply chains.
The workshop aims to build stakeholder understanding of nuclear industrial localisation, highlight opportunities for industries and lay the foundation for a National Action Plan on Nuclear Industrial Localisation that aligns Rwanda’s nuclear ambitions with its broader industrialisation agenda.
In his remarks, Mr Fidele Ndahayo, the CEO of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board stressed that Rwanda’s pursuit of nuclear energy goes beyond electricity generation. “A nuclear power programme is about building national capability, strengthening industries, upgrading skills, and transforming the economy,” he said.
He acknowledged ECA’s technical and financial support, noting that industrial localisation must be a deliberate pillar of Rwanda’s nuclear strategy. He stressed that countries that have successfully implemented nuclear programmes treat localisation not as an afterthought but as a strategic objective. Domestic firms — from construction to logistics, fabrication, engineering, and long‑term maintenance — must be prepared to participate meaningfully,”
Mr Ndahayo highlighted also that safety is non‑negotiable, and industrial participation must be anchored in strong quality management systems and adherence to international standards.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of ECA, Mr. Andrew Mold, Director of ECA in Eastern Africa, stressed that Rwanda’s decision to explore nuclear energy is “a bold and forward‑looking initiative that aligns with the region’s broader industrialization agenda.”
Mr. Mold noted that nuclear energy — including new small modular reactor (SMR) technologies — presents an unprecedented opportunity for developing countries seeking affordable, reliable baseload energy. “Nuclear energy has the potential to serve as a catalyst for revitalizing industrial capacity across the region. For Rwanda, this programme can support a more resilient, competitive, and diversified economy. If designed carefully, such a major capital investment can stimulate industrial development, expand supply chains, and generate high‑skilled employment,” he said.
He highlighted that East Africa’s manufacturing capacity has stagnated, emphasising the urgency of proactive industrial strategies.
Mr Antoine Kajangwe, the Permanent Secretary of Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry encouraged Rwanda’s private sector to use this workshop to assess readiness, identify capability gaps, and initiate partnerships that support long‑term competitiveness.
The workshop highlighted how how large-scale investments in the nuclear sector can catalyze a broader industrial transformation, allowing Rwanda to better compete in domestic and regional markets to reinforce progress and accelerate its long-term economic ambitions.
Issued by:
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Economic Commission for Africa
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