ROSATOM already has a story of mutually-beneficial cooperation in the Sub-Saharan Africa Region. The company not only supplies enriched uranium to the only Nuclear Power plant on the continent but also provides educational and research support in nuclear science under a co-operation agreements with various universities across the region.
South Africa
ROSATOM has been supplying enriched uranium products to South Africa’s Koeberg nuclear power plant (NPP) since the 90's, NTP Radioisotopes Pty supplied radioisotope products to a ROSATOM subsidiary.
ROSATOM also participated in the construction of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor fuel plant until a decision to terminate the project was passed by the South African Government in 2009.
South Africa and Russia signed an Intergovernmental agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation in the sphere of nuclear energy and industry in September 2014. Most recently on July 8th 2015, Rosatom and the Department of Energy of South Africa signed two Memoranda of Understanding: the Memorandum on cooperation in training personnel for the South African nuclear power industry and the Memorandum on cooperation in Enhancement of Public Awareness of Nuclear Energy in South Africa.
Nigeria
In March 2009, Russia signed a co-operation agreement with Nigeria, including provision for uranium exploration and mining in the country. A further broad agreement in June 2009 envisaged the construction of a Russian power reactor and a new research reactor. In June 2012, ROSATOM signed an IGA 'with NAEC on cooperation for 'the design, construction and decommissioning of nuclear power plants on the territory of Nigeria. This included the development of infrastructure and a framework and system of regulation for nuclear and radiation safety. ROSATOM has confirmed that Russian financing options will be available to Nigeria. The intention is to have the first unit on line by 2025, and 4800 MWe operating by 2035.
On May 30 of 2016 on the sidelines of the VIII International Forum ATOMEXPO 2016 the Russian Federation and the Federative Republic of Nigeria signed an agreement on cooperation in construction of a Center for Nuclear Research and Technology in Nigeria.
Ghana
In 2012, the Ministry of Energy & Petroleum signed a co-operation agreement with ROSATOM, and in mid-2013 further discussion took place on the specifics of joint projects facilitating the implementation of plans by Ghana to develop a nuclear industry with Russian help. In June 2015, a nuclear co-operation agreement with Russia was signed in the field of the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, to enable the development of contractual and legal frameworks for co-operation between the two countries in the nuclear sector. It also enables the promotion of Russian technology in West African markets and the practical start of joint nuclear projects.
Kenya
On 30 May 2016 on the side-lines of the VIII International Forum «ATOMEXPO 2016» the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom and the Kenyan Council for nuclear energy signed a Memorandum of mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The Memorandum, for the first time in the history of Russian - Kenyan relations, creates a basis for cooperation of the two countries in the domain of nuclear energy in a wide area of issues, including: assistance in development of Kenyan nuclear energy infrastructure; fundamental and applied research; design, construction and operation of nuclear energy and research reactors; production and use of radio izotopes in the industry, medicine, and agriculture; handling of radioactive waste; training and preparation of specialists in the field of nuclear physics and nuclear energy, etc.
Zambia
On May 30 of 2016 on the side-lines of the VIII International Forum «ATOMEXPO 2016» the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom and the Government of the Republic of Zambia signed an Intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. and cooperation in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Tanzania
Rosatom acquired the Mkuju River project in the Southern part of Tanzania, in the Namtumbo District, in 2011. Uranium One (owned by Rosatom) has completed the feasibility study focused on the development of Nyota deposit, the key asset of the Mkuju River project. Special mining license was granted in 2013. Current activity at the project is focused on preparatory operations and research work to determine applicability of in-situ leaching (ISL) method, a progressive and environmentally safe mining technology. Uranium One is also actively partnering with the Government of Tanzania on a technologically advanced and innovative elephant anti-poaching campaign in the area of the southern Selous Game Reserve surrounding the Project site.
Namibia
Uranium One has presence in Namibia and is in the process of prospecting rare earth metals in partnership with state owned Empangelo Mining Company. In November 2016, during the most recent intergovernmental session, the parties agreed to conclude an IGA on the peaceful use of nuclear energy in 2017.
Uganda
During the first intergovernmental session between Russia and Uganda in November 2016, the parties agreed to sign an MOU on the peaceful use of nuclear energy in 2017.