The IAEA mission to review Rwanda's infrastructure development for the Rwanda Nuclear Power Programme took place from 2 to 9 March 2026. (Photo: Rwanda Atomic Energy Board)

Rwanda is making progress towards adding nuclear power to its energy mix, including in developing the necessary infrastructure for a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power programme, according to an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review mission. The Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission, conducted at the request of the Government of Rwanda, took place from 2 to 9 March 2026.

An IAEA team of experts today concluded the eight-day mission to Rwanda to review its infrastructure development for the Rwanda Nuclear Power Programme. Rwanda aims to have nuclear power supply 60% to 70% of its energy mix, with medium- and long-term nuclear power generation incorporated into the national energy sector strategies and the National Land-Use Master Plan. Rwanda expects its first small modular reactor (SMR) to be operational by the early-2030s.

The Rwanda Nuclear Power Programme is being developed under a 2020 Presidential Order that established the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board. Nuclear power is part of the Rwanda Energy Policy, which establishes the framework for the country's draft nuclear energy policy and supports its ambitions to reduce reliance on electricity imports and fossil fuels.

Prior to the Phase 1 INIR mission, Rwanda prepared a self-evaluation report covering all nuclear power infrastructure issues and submitted the report and supporting documents to the IAEA. The INIR team comprised four experts from Egypt, Estonia, Kenya and Pakistan, as well as six IAEA staff.

The team identified good practices that would benefit other countries developing nuclear power in the areas of strong government commitment and coordination, proactive engagement with stakeholders, and early and comprehensive preparation for emergency preparedness and response. The team also noted the progress made in the areas of drafting a new comprehensive nuclear law, initiating work to enhance the regulatory framework for a nuclear power programme, conducting site surveys and identifying candidate sites for the planned SMR project.

"Strong government support and the effective coordination of the preparatory work helped Rwanda make significant progress towards deciding on a nuclear power programme," said Mehmet Ceyhan, Technical Lead of the IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section and Team Leader for the mission. "The level of preparation and involvement from all participating organizations and teams during the mission reflected a deep commitment to the programme."

The team made recommendations and suggestions aimed at assisting Rwanda in making further progress in the development of its nuclear infrastructure and its readiness to build the first SMR project in the country. The team highlighted areas where further actions would strengthen Rwanda's progress, including finalizing the comprehensive report to support the national decision-making to introduce nuclear power, completing the review of national legislation, and further developing and adopting policies and strategies to support the nuclear power programme.

"Rwanda remains firmly committed to the responsible, safe and transparent development of nuclear power infrastructure. The IAEA's review provides us with invaluable guidance to ensure that our national framework aligns with international safety standards and global best practices," said Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure of Rwanda.

Based on the outcomes of the INIR mission, the IAEA and Rwanda will develop an integrated workplan to continue providing coordinated support in line with the future development of the country's nuclear power programme.

About INIR Missions

INIR missions are based on the IAEA Milestones Approach, with its 19 infrastructure issues, three phases (consider, prepare and construct) and three milestones (decide, contract and operate). INIR missions enable IAEA Member State representatives to have in-depth discussions with international experts about experiences and best practices in different countries.

In developing its recommendations, the INIR team considers the comments made by the relevant national organizations. Implementation of any of the team's recommendations and suggestions is at the discretion of the Member State requesting the mission. The results of the INIR mission are expected to help the Member State develop an action plan to fill any gaps, which in turn will help the development of the national nuclear infrastructure. INIR follow-up missions assess the implementation of the recommendations and suggestions provided during the main mission.