AFCONE Chairperson H.E. Gaspard Liyoko MBOYO pose for a group photo with delegates attending Amplifying Africa Leadership in Nuclear Security and Disarmament, on 18th February 2026 at Cape Town, South Africa.
African leaders and regional bodies have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the African continent as a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ), driven by the Treaty of Pelindaba.
This commitment was strongly re-emphasized during the meeting on Amplifying Africa Leadership in Nuclear Security and Disarmament, on 16-18th February 2026 at Cape Town, South Africa.
The leaders vowed to strengthen the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) to ensure that all nuclear developments on the continent are safe, secure, and dedicated exclusively to peaceful applications.
The gathering facilitated a strategic exchange on nuclear disarmament, emphasizing the continental perspective. The meeting organised by AFCONE and NTI, provided a forum for African leaders to align perspectives on Nuclear Security and Disarmament.
AFCONE Commissioner Prof Ekoko Gracien accompanied with Interim Executive Secretary Mr. Collins Omondi sharing light moments during the Amplifying Africa Leadership in Nuclear Security and Disarmament, 16-18 February 2026 at Cape Town, South Africa.
The AFCONE Chairperson H.E. Gaspard Liyoko MBOYO used the opportunity to reaffirm AFCONE unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Treaty of Pelindaba, which is the bedrock of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.
“Africa proudly made a clear decision for a different path in the history of nuclear energy. Africa refused to be merely a bystander in the global nuclear security architecture. Africa is a leading proponent for disarmament and the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology”, said Mr. Mboyo when officially opening the session.
“Nuclear security is not just about restriction. It is about opportunity. It is about strategic advantages for development. It is about leveraging nuclear energy for economic advancement. It is about using nuclear to address and driving solutions for climate change, environmental, energy, developmental challenges and support African agenda 2063”, Mr Mboyo emphasised to the delegation.
The meeting agreed that AFCONE must take tangible steps to strengthen national frameworks for nuclear material security, ensure secure, safe management of radioactive waste and operationalise regional centers of excellence in nuclear security.