Russia Expands Nuclear Goals for Africa in New Deal

Newsweek

6 hours ago

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Russia has signed a nuclear energy cooperation agreement with Niger and fellow members of West Africa's Alliance of Sahel States, deepening Moscow's strategic footprint across the continent.
The deal means the two nations plan to collaborate on electricity generation, nuclear medicine, infrastructure development and specialist training.
Newsweek contacted the Kremlin for more information on the deal via email.
Why It Matters
West African states, particularly those under military rule—such as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso—are increasingly turning toward Moscow for critical investment and technical expertise. The escalation of Russian involvement brings potential economic development and energy security for millions, but it also raises questions over dependence on Russian technology, nuclear safety and the continent's future alliances.
As the U.S. and European Union reconsider partnerships in the region following coups and rising authoritarianism, Russia is filling the void left behind, offering support in exchange for long-term strategic leverage.
What To Know
Russia and Niger finalized a memorandum of understanding in Niamey, Niger's capital, on July 29—with senior officials from Rosatom, Russia's state atomic energy corporation, and Niger's Energy Ministry in attendance.
Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev led the Russian delegation and confirmed that the agreement included the construction of nuclear power plants, energy distribution networks and extensive training programs.
A view of industrial buildings on the territory of the Obninsk nuclear power plant in Russia on February 2, 2021.
A view of industrial buildings on the territory of the Obninsk nuclear power plant in Russia on February 2, 2021.
Getty Images
The agreement is the latest in a series of similar deals between Russia and African states, including prior agreements in Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Uganda.
West African nations hope the Russian-led initiative will help address acute power shortages and promote industrialization.
Niger, endowed with some of the world's largest uranium reserves, stands to benefit a significant amount from the technical expertise and new infrastructure that Russia can provide.
Rosatom's expanding role mirrors Russia's desire to cement alliances by tying states into its nuclear supply and service structure.
What People Are Saying
Sergei Tsivilev, Russia's energy minister, said in a statement about the meeting: "Today we had fruitful talks with my fellow ministers. I arrived with a large delegation, which includes many representatives of Russian business. We listened to detailed presentations on the cooperation opportunities that Niger is ready to offer. And now our teams are discussing with each other, face to face, how to realize this great potential."
The Russian Ministry of Energy said: "The countries view each other as important partners, and the creation of a joint IGC will be an important stage in the development of bilateral relations and will make it possible to transfer bilateral cooperation to a systemic basis. The parties also discussed cooperation in the economic sphere, the implementation of joint projects in the fields of energy, transport, infrastructure, agriculture and mining."
What Happens Next
Rosatom officials are expected to begin assessments for nuclear infrastructure in Niger and other Alliance of Sahel States members within the coming months.