Access to Tech Finance for the Peaceful Application of Nuclear Technology in Africa

The document examines the potential for nuclear energy and technology in Africa, contrasting its developmental benefits in medicine and research with the high costs and financial risks of commercial power plants. It finds that major development finance institutions generally avoid nuclear funding, leaving African nations reliant on vendor financing from countries like Russia and China. The authors argue that due to the falling costs of renewables, investing in solar, wind, and energy storage is generally a more cost-effective path to energy security for the continent.

• Nuclear energy is significantly more expensive than renewable alternatives; 2021 estimates show nuclear generation costs between $112 and $189 per MWh, while solar and onshore wind range from $29 to $56 per MWh.
• Major international and continental development finance institutions are reluctant to fund nuclear projects. The African Development Bank (AfDB) maintains a policy of not investing in nuclear development, and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) excludes nuclear projects from its green bond framework.
• Due to the lack of support from development banks, African countries rely heavily on vendor financing, particularly from Russia and China. This model can lead to a lack of transparency and geopolitical pressure, as seen in the defunct South Africa-Russia nuclear deal.
• Nuclear technology provides substantial developmental benefits beyond electricity, particularly in medicine and research. Twenty-one African countries currently practice nuclear medicine therapies, and ten research reactors are operational across eight countries to support health, agriculture, and environmental fields.
• Several African nations are pursuing commercial nuclear programs: Egypt is constructing the El Dabaa plant with Russian loans; Ghana aims for nuclear generation by 2030; and Kenya and Nigeria have expressed intent or entered agreements for nuclear power plants.
• The authors suggest that African countries should prioritize investing in solar and wind energy and innovative storage solutions over nuclear power to achieve energy availability more efficiently.

APA

Govender, D., Muleya, T., & Ngarachu, A. (2022). Access to Tech Finance for the Peaceful Application of Nuclear Technology in Africa. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PI-132-AGDP-A4D-Govender-Muleya-Ngarachu-FINAL-WEB.pdf

Chicago

Govender, Danae, Thabelo Muleya, and Anna Ngarachu. Access to Tech Finance for the Peaceful Application of Nuclear Technology in Africa. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2022. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PI-132-AGDP-A4D-Govender-Muleya-Ngarachu-FINAL-WEB.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Govender |first1=Danae |last2=Muleya |first2=Thabelo |last3=Ngarachu |first3=Anna |title=Access to Tech Finance for the Peaceful Application of Nuclear Technology in Africa |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=June 2022 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PI-132-AGDP-A4D-Govender-Muleya-Ngarachu-FINAL-WEB.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{govender2022access, author = {Govender, Danae and Muleya, Thabelo and Ngarachu, Anna}, title = {{Access to Tech Finance for the Peaceful Application of Nuclear Technology in Africa}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2022}, month = jun, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PI-132-AGDP-A4D-Govender-Muleya-Ngarachu-FINAL-WEB.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }