Nuclear Power and Governance Frameworks: Egypt, Ghana and South Africa

The report analyzes the varying stages of nuclear energy development in Egypt, Ghana, and South Africa. Egypt is currently constructing a nuclear power plant with Russian assistance, though it faces criticism for a lack of transparency. Ghana is in the early infrastructure-building phase, following the IAEA Milestones Approach. South Africa possesses the continent's only operational plant, Koeberg, but struggles with ageing infrastructure and the financial legacy of previous failed expansion plans. The document emphasizes the importance of robust governance, international non-proliferation commitments, and civil society engagement to ensure the safe and sustainable use of nuclear energy in Africa.

• Egypt is constructing a nuclear power plant at Al Dabaa consisting of four 1,200MW pressurised water reactors (VVER-1200), with the first reactor expected to be operational by 2026 and the full project completed by 2040.
• The Al Dabaa project is largely funded by a $25 billion loan from the Russian state atomic energy corporation ROSATOM, which covers approximately 85% of the cost and is repayable over 22 years starting in October 2029 at 3% interest.
• Egypt's nuclear governance is characterized by a lack of transparency and public consultation, with the government previously imposing a gag order on news related to the Al Dabaa power plant.
• Ghana is currently in Phase 1 of the IAEA Milestones Approach to develop its nuclear infrastructure, with the goal of building a nuclear power plant before 2030.
• Ghana has established a comprehensive regulatory framework, including the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) created by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority Act No. 895 of 2015, to ensure a conducive environment for investment.
• South Africa operates the continent's only nuclear power plant, Koeberg, which provides about 6% of the country's electricity, but the facility is reaching its 40-year end-of-life design in 2024.
• The South African government intends to extend Koeberg's design life and safety licence for another 20 years, until 2044, to maintain energy security.
• South Africa's state-owned nuclear entity, NECSA, is described as 'technically bankrupt' and has faced operational and governance challenges, including the 2017 shutdown of its NTP Radioisotope plant due to safety lapses.
• South Africa's previous nuclear expansion plans under Jacob Zuma were terminated due to financial constraints and a 2017 Western Cape High Court ruling that the procurement deals with Russia, the US, and South Korea were unconstitutional.
• Under President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa is considering a smaller-scale nuclear build programme of 2,500 MW, potentially utilizing small modular reactors, with a target procurement date of 2024.

APA

Turianskyi, Y., & van Wyk, J.-A. (2021). Nuclear Power and Governance Frameworks: Egypt, Ghana and South Africa. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Special-Report-turianskyi-van-wyk_.pdf

Chicago

Turianskyi, Yarik, and Jo-Ansie van Wyk. Nuclear Power and Governance Frameworks: Egypt, Ghana and South Africa. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2021. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Special-Report-turianskyi-van-wyk_.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Turianskyi |first1=Yarik |last2=van Wyk |first2=Jo-Ansie |title=Nuclear Power and Governance Frameworks: Egypt, Ghana and South Africa |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=March 2021 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Special-Report-turianskyi-van-wyk_.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{turianskyi2021nuclear, author = {Turianskyi, Yarik and van Wyk, Jo-Ansie}, title = {{Nuclear Power and Governance Frameworks: Egypt, Ghana and South Africa}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2021}, month = mar, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Special-Report-turianskyi-van-wyk_.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }