Rwanda has taken another significant step toward the development of its first Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) based on Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology by hosting a comprehensive Self-Evaluation workshop in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and national stakeholders.

The workshop, held from 18 to 21 November 2025, brought together representatives from Government institutions, regulatory bodies, academia, international experts and IAEA specialists to jointly assess Rwanda’s current level of preparedness for implementing a nuclear power programme. The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that the introduction of nuclear energy follows internationally accepted standards of safety and security.

At the center of the workshop was the examination of 19 nuclear infrastructure issues identified in the IAEA Milestones Approach—an internationally recognized framework that guides countries through the safe and orderly development of a nuclear power programme. These issues cover a broad range of national responsibilities, including legal and regulatory frameworks, human resource development, policy, safety standards, radioactive waste management, stakeholder engagement, and financing among others.

The self-evaluation exercise is expected to help Rwanda identify strengths, gaps, and priority areas that require further development as the country progresses toward taking a national position on nuclear energy programme as indicated in the IAEA Milestones Approach and further advance nuclear development activities. By undertaking this assessment, Rwanda demonstrates its proactive approach to building a robust nuclear infrastructure anchored in transparency, international cooperation, and high-level technical expertise.

Dr. Fidele Ndahayo, CEO of RAEB

In his opening remarks, Dr. Fidele Ndahayo, CEO of RAEB, said that: "the workshop is a testament to Rwanda's commitment to safety, security, and sustained development in our nuclear energy pursuit. The expertise shared here is invaluable in validating our progress and identifying the strategic steps ahead as we prepare to host the INIR mission in March 2026.” 

The workshop, held in the framework of the Pre-INIR mission, serves as a preparatory evaluation carried out by the IAEA to help a country get ready for a full Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission.

Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Mission is an IAEA led peer review process that helps countries assess their readiness to introduce nuclear power. The mission evaluates progress based on the IAEA Milestones Approach, with its 19 infrastructure issues, three phases (consider, prepare and construct) and three milestones (decide, contract and operate). 

The findings from the workshop will inform Rwanda’s future planning and help refine strategies for the next phases of the NPP project. Ultimately, the assessment marks an important milestone in Rwanda’s long-term vision to diversify its energy mix, strengthen energy security, and support sustainable economic growth through the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Mr. Mehmet Ceyhan, IAEA Expert

About RAEB

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.

RAEB projects are aligned with Vision 2050 by ensuring that nuclear science and technology is applied in Rwanda to drive universal electrification which is critical to the country’s industrialization ambition, enhance healthcare through nuclear medicine, and improve agricultural productivity, among others.

IAEA Expert & Participants

Participant
By Josue SHEMA, Nuclear Senior Engineer/NPP Division.