Delegates attend the AFCONE side event on “Promoting Nuclear Energy and Applications in Africa,” held during the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, 18 September 2025
The African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) organized a side event during the 69th IAEA General Conference, held from 15 to 19 September 2025 at the Vienna International Centre. The event focused on promoting the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, offering African States a platform to share their nuclear power and application programmes, and providing the IAEA and other related institutions an opportunity to present their initiatives to African Member States. The side event was attended by senior representatives of Member States.
The AFCONE delegation was led by His Excellency Mr. Gaspard Liyoko Mboyo, Chairperson of AFCONE; Mr. Ishagh Mohamed Moussa, Chairperson of the CSP; Mr. Ahmed Bezeid Deida, Vice-Chairperson and Acting Executive Secretary of AFCONE; and Mr. Omondi Collins, Head of Civil Applications.
Welcomed by the various IAEA operational departments, the delegation discussed AFCONE’s current and future projects in civilian nuclear applications, particularly in the fields of health, agriculture, water resource management, and livestock. These discussions took place within the framework of key initiatives such as Rays of Hope, which seeks to strengthen healthcare infrastructure through the acquisition of modern equipment and the training of professionals in radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and medical imaging; Atoms4Food, which focuses on achieving food security; and Atoms4Water, the theme of this year’s Scientific Forum, which aims to enhance the use of nuclear technologies for sustainable water resource management.
The AFCONE delegation had a full programme of meetings with the IAEA Departments for Safeguards, Nuclear Safety and Security, Nuclear Energy, and Nuclear Science and Applications.
The AFCONE collaborates with the IAEA to help African Member States use nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes. These applications address some of Africa’s most urgent needs, including healthcare, agriculture, and energy.
The delegation also participated in technical meetings and side events, working with international and regional networks such as the African Nuclear Regulators Forum (FNRB) and the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training in Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) to strengthen cooperation and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Delegates pose for a group photo during the AFCONE side event, held in Vienna, Austria, 18 September 2025.
AFCONE Chairperson H.E. Gaspard Liyoko Mboyo delivering a keynote address during the AFCONE side event, held in Vienna, Austria, 18 September 2025.
