AREA

Different levels, but a common vector: Russia is expanding its energy presence in Congo and Rwanda. Rosatom is developing a pilot project in the Republic of Congo to build two modular small hydropower plants with a total capacity of 2.6 MW. The plants are capable of operating year-round in challenging climate conditions and will provide stable electricity to remote and hard-to-reach areas. Successful implementation will provide access to clean energy for approximately 1,000 rural households. The parties already have a history of cooperation: an intergovernmental agreement on peaceful use of nuclear energy was signed in 2019, and a memorandum on cooperation in hydropower was signed in 2024. Students from Congo are currently studying at Russian universities under Rosatom quotas (National Nuclear University MEPhI, Russian Chemical Technology University, and Voronezh State University). At the same time, Russia is strengthening its nuclear cooperation with Rwanda. Rosatom is helping to establish a Nuclear Science and Technology Center with a research reactor, develop the regulatory framework, and train personnel. Kigali's ambition is to launch the first small modular reactor by the early 2030s and increase the share of nuclear generation to 60–70% of the energy mix. The two African countries have different levels of nuclear maturity, but the vector is the same: Russian technologies and specialist training are consistently forming the foundation for future energy systems. #RussiaAfrica#Rosatom#Congo#Rwanda