At the margins of the 36th AU Summit in February 2023, the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) organised a side-event in collaboration with the Government of Namibia and the European Commission. The aim was to build political support for using nuclear energy for African development. A key message was that adherence to non-proliferation norms could facilitate regional and international cooperation and trade in peaceful civil applications of nuclear energy. 

The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland (STUK) launched a new 5-year support programme to AFCONE, which recognizes the EU as a major partner on nuclear safeguards. This programme helps African States to meet their non-proliferation obligations and safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency, by creating state systems for accounting and controlling nuclear material and establishing a pool of skilled experts. It is timely because 12 AU Member States have expressed an interest in moving ahead with nuclear energy applications.   

Namibia, as the leading African source of uranium and second globally, is taking the lead on promoting peaceful applications of nuclear energy. During the keynote address, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs called for investment, effective safeguards, and policies to retain 15% of natural resources – including Uranium – within Africa.