Niger announced plans to build two 2,000-megawatt nuclear reactors in collaboration with Russia’s state-owned Rosatom. The West African nation also proposed joint development of its uranium reserves, signaling deeper energy cooperation with Moscow.
“Please, let’s develop our uranium deposits together,” Mining Minister Ousmane Abarchi urged at a nuclear forum in Moscow. Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev described Niger’s proposals as “extremely interesting,” hinting at growing Russian influence in Africa.
Niger, the eighth largest uranium producer in 2024, is part of a group of African countries strengthening ties with Russia. Abarchi said the nuclear plants would be constructed under supervision from the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, ensuring safety oversight.
“Yes, we have big ambitions, but this is very important for us and the entire African continent,” he added. Currently, South Africa is Africa’s only country with an operational nuclear plant, while Egypt is building new reactors.
Several other African nations have proposed nuclear projects, including Ghana, Algeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Sudan. The initiative marks Niger’s bold step toward energy independence while strengthening strategic partnerships amid shifting global influence.