Africa Needs Civil Nuclear Energy to Industrialize and Ensure Food Security

Strategic Insights -

Africa's industrialization and food security require a reliable energy base, and civil nuclear energy is the key to achieving this goal, argued scientist and former Burkinabe Prime Minister Lassina Zerbo. Zerbo advocated for the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) to power critical infrastructure such as irrigation systems, desalination plants, and cold chains, thereby strengthening food security. SMRs offer a range of benefits, including low personnel requirements, small footprints, and long operating lifetimes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lassina Zerbo, former Burkinabe Prime Minister and current president of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Commission, argues that civil nuclear energy is crucial for Africa's industrialization and food security.
  • SMRs can power critical infrastructure such as irrigation systems, desalination plants, and cold chains to strengthen food security.
  • SMRs have benefits such as low personnel requirements, small footprints, and long operating lifetimes (10-20 years).
  • The World Bank has lifted the ban on financing civil nuclear power in Africa, following in the footsteps of the West African Development Bank (BOAD).
  • Zerbo calls for inspiration from proven models such as public-private partnerships and blockchain technology to finance the energy transition differently.
  • African countries such as Niger could develop uranium tokens, backed by certified physical reserves, to attract international investors and raise funds for nuclear infrastructure.

Statistics:

  • 1-50 MW: the power range of SMRs designed for specific uses such as military bases, hospitals, remote industries, or rural communities.
  • 10-20 years: the continuous operating lifetime of SMRs without refueling.
  • 50%: the percentage of African countries that could benefit from civil nuclear energy according to Lassina Zerbo.
  • $?: the potential funds that African countries such as Niger could raise by development uranium tokens.

Sources:

  • Burkina Information Agency, Lassina Zerbo Speaks on Civil Nuclear Energy for Africa's Development (13 Jun 2025)
  • World Bank, Lifting Ban on Financing Civil Nuclear Power in Africa (no specific date)
  • West African Development Bank (BOAD), Development Days (no specific date)