Dr. Elena Buglova, Director of the Division of Nuclear Security at International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) addresses the participants attending Africa Nuclear Security Dialogue on 19th November 2025.
Africa Nuclear Security Dialogue meeting organised by AFCONE and Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) was held on 17 and 19 November 2025. The meeting brought together a select group of government officials, practitioners, scholars and professional associations for interdisciplinary conversation on nuclear security, contextualised within Africa and global geopolitics.
The meeting was jointly opened by AFCONE Chairperson H.E.Gaspard Liyoko MBOYO and Vice President for Nuclear Material Security at NTI, Mr. Scott Roecker.
Addressing African delegation who attended the meeting, Mr. Liyoko MBOYO, reaffirmed AFCONE long-term commitment to supporting nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation. He further emphasized on the need for that nuclear security to be provided the full attention it deserves as it is a fundamental element of nuclear non-proliferation architecture.
Mr. Scott Roecker spoke of the importance of collaboration on nuclear security “This dialogue is part of a global series of regional workshops convened by NTI to explore how different regions are advancing nuclear security and how we can strengthen cooperation worldwide, particularly as nuclear energy to combat climate change”.
A section of participants attending the African Nuclear Security Dialogue.
“We appreciate that tremendous progress has been made over the past several decades. However, the nuclear security threat is constantly evolving. The approach to nuclear security must evolve with the threat of new technologies, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and emerging risks”, Dr. Elena Buglova emphasised the delegation.
Participants also discussed assessment of nuclear security landscape, Revision of the IAEA nuclear security recommendations, Strengthening the Amended Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material RevCon and need of peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
There is need for closer coordination among NTD-Si producers and end users in the global market to help prevent delays or disruptions in NTD-Si production and supply in the future,” said Danas Ridikas, Head of Physics Section, IAEA Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences.
“Nuclear and radiological threats are real, and we must get prepared for adversaries. In the education and training, there are pressing needs for nuclear security culture training for Academia and for professionals dealing with Radiological Sources, and Training of the Trainers to ensure sustainability. Further capacity building are needed for transport security Training for all professionals dealing with radiological sources and SMR. Threre is greater need to establish African Academy for Nuclear Security for qualifications, training, and education in African countries”, Prof Kofi Mostafa Kofi who is the President of INMM -Africa chapter said in his closing remarks.