RAEB Graduates The First Cohort of 16 Young Nuclear Professionals
Participants of Young Professionals Program during a graduation ceremony held at UR-CST: Photo by RAEB
Kigali, Rwanda - August 14th 2025 - Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service and Labor (MIFOTRA) celebrated the graduation of 16 Rwandan professionals in nuclear industry.
This is the first cohort of Young Professionals Programme that is implemented in collaboration with MIFOTRA, offering internship opportunities in various institutions for the graduates to gain hands-on experience complementing their theoretical knowledge and explore areas where nuclear technology could significantly contribute to the country’s socioeconomic development.
As part of the government effort to develop domestic capabilities and expertise in the safe and secure application of nuclear science and technology in the country, a capacity building program is being conducted under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in education and training cooperation in the field of nuclear energy between the Government of Rwanda and the Russian Federation represented by ROSATOM.
Out of 36 Bachelor’s degree graduates from Russian universities under this capacity building program, 18 underwent the Young Professionals Program in Rwandan institutions and 16 completed the program while 18 of them furthered their education.
The internship program started on September 1st 2024, with the aim of preparing prospective professionals to contribute effectively during the pre-construction and pre-commissioning phases of the ongoing projects and tasks relevant to the national nuclear programme, expose them to analytical and laboratory activities, policy development and regulatory compliance of the public sector, as well as offer career guidance, mentorship, and building professional networks in the same.
Christian Kwizera, Nuclear Physics and Technologies graduate who participated in the Young Professionals Program, said: “This program has strengthened my technical foundation, given me insight into how different sectors can benefit from the national nuclear program, and prepared me for future studies in the field of nuclear science and technology. This will enable me to contribute even more effectively to Rwanda’s safe and efficient adoption of nuclear technologies.”
Under this program, Kwizera received an internship opportunity to work in the Nuclear and Radiation Department at Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
“I sincerely thank the program organizers and partner institutions for their guidance and support throughout this journey. Their commitment to developing Rwanda’s next generation of nuclear professionals has been invaluable.”
The trainees were placed in different institutions identified as potential users of nuclear technologies for both the power and non-power applications. The institutions include RAEB, Rwanda Cancer Center, Rwanda Food and Drugs Administration, Rwanda Standards Board, Rwanda Environment Management Authority, Rwanda Water Resources Board, Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), and Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB).
In a graduation ceremony that took place on August 14th, at University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology, RAEB and stakeholders took time to reflect on achievements, share feedback, and engage on future collaborations in skills development for the nuclear sector.
In his remarks, Dr. Joran Ndayishimiye, Head of Nuclear Technologies and Research Development Department, RAEB, stated: “We thank our partners for supporting this program to its successful implementation through internship opportunities provided to the young nuclear professionals to practice and harness their acquired knowledge and skills. They were selected from the best pool of talent we have in the country and we believe they will significantly contribute in different innovations of nuclear solutions for national development.”
He assured the trainees that RAEB and stakeholders have taken note of their feedback on achievements made, challenges faced, and areas of improvement which will be addressed for a smooth continuation of the program. Dr. Ndayishimiye also reminded them to be resilient and strive for excellency throughout their education journey and career paths.
The trainees gained hands-on experience that will help them to contribute to scientific discovery, education, industrial applications, and technological innovation within the realm of nuclear science and technology.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Amos Mfitundinda, Head of Strategic Capacity Development Department, MIFOTRA, said that this program is fundamental in developing human capacity necessary for the country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy, emphasizing the importance of tapping into nuclear energy to accelerate the country’s development across sectors.
He noted that the ministry will continue to extend its support in facilitating this program and encouraged the young professionals to take advantage of available opportunities that the country provides.
Since its inception in 2019, the capacity building program counts 218 Rwandan students at different levels of education.
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About Rwanda Atomic Energy Board
The Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB) is a government institution with a mission to promote peaceful use of nuclear energy for sustainable socio-economic development in key sectors of agriculture, health, electricity generation, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, industry, environment, geology and mining.
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