Africa’s Nuclear Buildout Accelerates as South Africa Pushes SMR and 10 GW Expansion

Africa’s nuclear ambitions are accelerating on two parallel tracks: large-scale reactor developments and emerging small modular reactor (SMR) programs. From South Africa and Egypt to Kenya and Rwanda, governments are positioning nuclear power as a long-term solution to baseload constraints and rising industrial electricity demand.

Earlier this month, 54 companies from 12 countries expressed interest in the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA)’s SMR program. The briefing, held on April 16, marks an early step toward procurement as South Africa advances next-generation nuclear deployment.