Rwanda-Russia nuclear deal reflects shifting power balance in Africa

On May 19, at the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit in Kigali, Rwanda signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia on nuclear cooperation, marking a step forward in its ambition to become a regional hub for advanced technology and healthcare. The agreement covers nuclear medicine, healthcare and nuclear science collaboration, potential research reactor projects, and training programs.

Rwanda government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo said feasibility studies are underway for a small modular reactor (SMR) facility and a Nuclear Science and Technology Center. She stressed: 'In addition to Russia's Rosatom, Rwanda also signed an MoU with the United States on civil nuclear cooperation, along with agreements with firms from South Africa and Austria,' reflecting Kigali's strategy of diversifying international partners.

The center is expected to include a research reactor, laboratories, training facilities, and nuclear medicine infrastructure, but plans remain at an early stage. Currently, Rwanda is sending students to Russia for nuclear engineering programs to build domestic capacity.

Shifting influence map
Western influence in Africa, rooted in aid, development finance, and security, faces new challenges. Russia has quickly exploited this through a policy of non-interference and respect for sovereignty. Professor Macharia Munene, a diplomacy expert, said: 'Russia benefits from a perceived decline in Western consistency. For many African leaders, Moscow's approach is more predictable: investment and training without conditions.'

Russian nuclear agreements are already in place in Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, led by Rosatom. Meanwhile, China's economic footprint and U.S. security ties in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Djibouti make Africa a chessboard of great-power competition.

Rwanda's balancing act
Rwanda has faced criticism over human rights and tensions with the United States due to allegations of supporting the M23 group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, Kigali focuses on technology and training in its ties with Moscow. Expert Beverly Ochieng of Control Risks noted: 'Rwanda can still coordinate multiple partners. This deal comes alongside a health MoU with Russia and defense negotiations with France. The country compartmentalizes partners to serve its own priorities.'

President Paul Kagame maintains strong ties with the United States, China, Europe, the Gulf states, and Russia, avoiding dependence on any single party.

Symbolism of ambition
Nuclear projects in Africa serve both technical development and political signaling. According to Ochieng, most Russian agreements are symbolic, helping Rosatom maintain technical capabilities even under sanctions, and may take decades to become operational. Although complex and costly, many African nations view nuclear cooperation as an attractive option because it allows for practical development without committing to a single power.

Professor Munene commented: 'Russia does not pretend to be morally superior. That honesty, along with Western double standards, attracts African countries to Russia and China.'

Regional and domestic benefits
In East Africa, nuclear energy is a symbol of national prestige and economic strategy. Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia have expressed long-term interest. Rwanda's partnership with multiple countries reflects both its regional ambitions and caution. The nuclear program is also tied to domestic goals: improving healthcare through nuclear medicine, training engineers, and conducting research. If successful, the center could make Rwanda a regional technology leader.

This deal aligns with Kagame's vision of transforming Rwanda into a technology-driven economy. However, critics warn that reliance on foreign technology could create long-term dependencies.

Road ahead
Nuclear cooperation is a long-term journey: feasibility studies, student training, and infrastructure planning are expected to extend years, possibly decades, before any facility operates. Rwanda is diversifying partners, investing in human capital, and using technical agreements as geopolitical leverage. Ochieng concluded: 'Rwanda is simultaneously developing and pursuing diplomacy. By compartmentalizing partners, it insulates itself from uncertainty while laying the foundation for advanced scientific capacity.'