The report, “2026 Update: Who in Africa is Ready for Nuclear Power?”, assesses the preparedness of African countries to deploy nuclear power, using demonstrated progress rather than political announcements alone. Readiness is considered across government commitment, legal and regulatory development, siting, grid preparedness, financing, human resources, safety, security and safeguards, and vendor/project development, broadly aligned with the IAEA Milestones Approach.
The report finds that Egypt and South Africa are the continent’s most advanced nuclear power countries. Egypt is constructing the four-unit, 4.8 GW El Dabaa nuclear power plant, while South Africa continues to operate Koeberg and is considering additional nuclear capacity and SMR development.
A second group is classified as “Potentially ready by 2030”, comprising Ghana, Uganda, Morocco, Kenya, Algeria and Tunisia. Ghana is highlighted for its research-reactor experience, progress through Phase 2 of the IAEA Milestones process, engagement with NuScale and China National Nuclear Corporation, participation in the US-led FIRST programme, and work toward a US-Ghana 123 Agreement.
Countries including Rwanda and Tanzania, together with a further group of African states, are considered potentially ready by 2050 but still need substantial institutional, technical and project-development progress. Other states are assessed as unlikely to be ready by 2050 because of limited demonstrated capacity or progress. Several conflict-affected countries, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, Niger, Mali, Sudan and Burkina Faso, are placed in a separate category rather than ranked.
The report identifies three major trends: Russia, particularly through Rosatom, remains highly influential in African nuclear cooperation; SMRs are likely to increase African interest in nuclear power, especially for countries with smaller grids; and, critically, announcements and MoUs should not be confused with bankable nuclear projects. Real readiness will depend on countries translating political commitments into credible siting, licensing, financing, vendor selection and construction arrangements.
