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AFCONE Executive Secretary to Lead Africa’s Nuclear Conversation at AEW 2025
Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies – taking place in Cape Town on September 29-October 3 – will host Enobot Agboraw, Executive Secretary of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), as a featured speaker. His participation highlights the increasing recognition of nuclear energy as a viable and strategic solution to address Africa’s pressing energy access, industrialization and climate resilience goals.
Established to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy across the continent, AFCONE plays a critical role in supporting member states in the development of safe, secure and sustainable nuclear programs. Under Agboraw’s leadership, AFCONE has championed regional cooperation and investment in nuclear science and technology, recognizing its potential to deliver reliable baseload power while supporting Africa’s energy transition.
South Africa is the only African country operating a commercial nuclear power plant – the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station – whose 930 MW Unit 2 was recently reconnected to the national grid at the start of the year. However, growing energy demand and the need for stable, large-scale generation capacity are prompting other African nations to explore nuclear energy as part of their long-term energy strategies. Egypt is advancing construction of its first nuclear power plant – El Dabaa – set to be the largest in the world by geographic footprint. Developed with Russian support, the project is on track to receive its first turbine by the end of 2025.
Several other countries are making headway in nuclear readiness. Ghana has selected the site for its first nuclear power plant; Kenya is on track to begin construction of its first nuclear facility by 2027; and Uganda has set a 2031 target for bringing nuclear power online. These efforts are backed by the establishment of regulatory frameworks and detailed feasibility studies. Meanwhile, the emergence of Small Modular Reactors presents a scalable, cost-effective solution well-suited to Africa’s diverse energy needs, making nuclear energy more accessible to emerging economies across the continent.
“Nuclear energy must be part of the conversation when we talk about Africa’s energy future. We are seeing a bold, African-led push to develop nuclear energy as a strategic energy source – not just for power generation, but for driving economic transformation and scientific advancement across the continent. AEW 2025 is proud to host AFCONE and provide a platform for critical dialogue on nuclear’s role in our energy mix,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
At AEW 2025, AFCONE will contribute to high-level discussions on financing, regulation and regional cooperation, engaging with ministers, investors, and technology developers to accelerate Africa’s nuclear ambitions. The event continues to serve as the premier platform for Africa’s energy stakeholders to align on the continent’s development goals and drive investment into every viable resource – from oil and gas to renewables and nuclear – adding critical depth to Africa’s multifaceted energy narrative.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.aecweek.com for more information about this exciting event.