Rosatom is expanding cooperation with African countries by combining educational initiatives with infrastructure projects. Three recent events—a dialogue on science tourism at a forum in Moscow, African participation in the international Young Scientists Congress, and negotiations on a nuclear power plant in Ethiopia—demonstrate how this partnership operates at different levels.
The 2nd International Science and Tourism Forum, Discover ATOM, was held in Moscow with Rosatom’s support. The forum brought together representatives of the world’s best science and technology museums. Over 300 experts and science communicators from South Africa, Brazil, India, the UAE, and other BRICS nations met at the Atom Museum to share experience. The two-day agenda included seven business sessions and a plenary meeting for participants to discuss key issues in the development of popular science tourism.
“Popular science tourism is not just a trend, but a real foundation for international dialogue and experience sharing. We see how museums of the future from different countries are shaping the image of tomorrow, inspiring the younger generation and proving that science can unite people,” noted Elena Mironenko, Director of the Atom Museum.
As part of the business program, participants discussed government support tools, advanced methods for promoting scientific brands, staffing in science tourism, and the integration of science into the travel industry. Strategically important agreements were also reached at the forum, such as a memorandum on creating an alliance of BRICS science and technology museums.
Representatives from African countries took part in the 5th Young Scientists Congress at the Sirius University of Science and Technology in Russia. Held annually since 2021, the Congress brings together leading scientists from various countries to discuss prospects for joint international research, seek effective collaborations between science and business, showcase scientific achievements, and provide networking opportunities for young researchers. This year’s event brought together over 8,000 participants from more than 100 countries. The 5th Congress was themed as “Energy of Science: From Knowledge Potential to Creating the Future.”
Rosatom is actively engaged in supporting young talent. Its booth at the Congress featured around 30 events, including lectures by leading Russian scientists, academic quizzes, and other activities. Rosatom experts and leaders took part in the forum’s key discussions. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev outlined his vision for the principles of nuclear energy development: “First, there are no alternatives in the coming decades to using nuclear technologies for the benefit of the world. Second, all countries and peoples should have non-discriminatory access to these technologies. And third, we should shun ‘technological colonialism’ or forcing the work patterns and approaches that currently exist in international cooperation.”
In total, several hundred business, cultural, and sports events took place at the Congress venues.
A meeting was held in Moscow between Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and Nikolai Spassky, Deputy Director General for International Relations at Rosatom.
The parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy, focusing on implementing the action plan for the nuclear power plant project in Ethiopia. The plan between Rosatom and Ethiopian Electric Power was signed at the World Atomic Week forum.
Ethiopia and Rosatom are consistently developing their partnership in civil nuclear energy. The partnership, which started in 2019 with an intergovernmental agreement, has already moved to specific steps. In 2023, a cooperation roadmap was approved, and preparations began to establish a Nuclear Science and Technology Center in Ethiopia. The action plan signed in 2025 provides for a comprehensive feasibility study to be conducted for the nuclear power plant project.
Photo by: Rosatom State Corporation, “Atom” Museum, “Strana Rosatom” newspaper
