The AFCONE delegation to the 69th IAEA General Conference met with the delegation from the World Nuclear Association (WNA). Pictured from left to right: Mr. Ahmed Bezeid Deida, Vice-Chairperson of AFCONE; Mr. Gaspard Liyoko Mboyo, Chairperson of AFCONE; Dr. Sama Bilbao, Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA); and a WNA representative.
“Africa is increasing its interest and engagement in nuclear energy to address the significant lack of electricity and meet rapidly growing energy demands,” emphasized AFCONE Chairperson Mr. Gaspard Liyoko Mboyo during a meeting with a delegation from the World Nuclear Association (WNA) on the sidelines of the 69th IAEA General Conference.
AFCONE is strengthening its cooperation with the World Nuclear Association (WNA) to accelerate the peaceful uses of nuclear energy across Africa. The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration to attract investment in the nuclear fuel cycle, support growing energy demand, and advance the role of nuclear power in achieving climate and sustainability goals. Discussions also highlighted the importance of clear policy frameworks from African States to promote and guide the continent’s nuclear energy development.
The expansion of nuclear energy in Africa holds the potential to drive substantial economic and industrial growth. However, progress has been constrained by inadequate infrastructure, limited technical capacity, and financial challenges. This landscape is gradually changing, as more African States mobilize financing, develop national infrastructure, and foster regional cooperation — key steps toward unlocking the continent’s nuclear development potential.