By Mabel Adorkor Annang
The Second Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum started in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Forum brought together African leaders from different countries, representatives from the relevant Russian ministries, Russian and African business leaders, and international relations experts to discuss the challenges facing Russia and African countries in an era of global change.
They talked about the most pressing issues and ways of resolving them to encourage the development of Russian-African relations in Energy solutions, especially in Nuclear Energy and Atomic Energy economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
The Forum touched on Nuclear Technologies for the development of the African Region. Ministers from African countries said during a panel discussion that nuclear energy is the right investment to help most African countries achieve 100 percent electrification.
They emphasised that Nuclear energy is the best way for Africa to increase its generation mix.
Minister for Minerals of Tanzania Doto Mashaka Biteko said Africa must harness its natural resources to make adopting Nuclear energy not only meet Energy demands but also the growth it brings to a country’s economy.
“This is the support that the natural resources that are bestowed on us should really be the driver of changing the livelihood of the people.”
Egypt is currently building a Nuclear Power Plant in Dabaar to help the country achieve its renewable energy agenda.
Chairman of the Board of Nuclear Power Plant Authority of Egypt, Amged El-Wakeel, stated that nuclear energy helps achieve the sustainable goals of the UN. He said the Nuclear Power project in Egypt has provided job opportunities for the Youth.
“Nuclear energy will support renewable energy to achieve the optimal energy mix we aim for in Egypt,” he added.
A Nuclear Advocate at Africa4Nuclear; Nuclear Communication and Technology Specialist of South Africa, Princess Mthombeni, called on all countries and stakeholders in Nuclear Energy to support these advocacy groups to help demystify the perfections of Nuclear by educating other stakeholders about the benefits of Nuclear technologies.
She intimated, “as Nuclear communicators and advocacy groups, we are in a very difficult environment as we are working with well-organised anti-nuclear groups. As Nuclear advocates, we need your support as we continue to educate different stakeholders about the benefits of Nuclear technologies.”
On the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit, an Agreement was concluded between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Burundi on cooperation in the field of the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. On the Russian side, the document was signed by the Director General of the State Corporation Rosatom, A.E. Likhachev, on behalf of the Republic of Burundi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, A. Shingiro.
The agreement will make it possible to start the practical implementation of specific cooperation projects in a wide range of areas.