Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa, spoke to Modern Diplomacy about the transition from dialogue to delivery of nuclear projects on the continent. In the interview, he explained how to change the public perception of nuclear energy and emphasized Russia’s readiness to support the nuclear ambitions of African countries.
Speaking about nuclear-related expectations for the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit, I would note that a strong foundation has been built in recent years through agreements, feasibility discussions, and partnerships. The 2026 summit will allow us to transition from dialogue to tangible progress. The focus will shift to the project implementation readiness, which includes regulatory development, personnel training, financing models, and localization strategies. Furthermore, we also expect to see more structured cooperation in areas like small modular reactors, which are particularly relevant for African power grids, as well as stronger emphasis on education and training partnerships.
We cannot rewrite history, and we should not try to. The accidents at the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear power plants shaped public perception for a reason. The starting point is respect for those concerns, not dismissal. However, people often overlook the lessons the nuclear industry has learned from these events. The Chernobyl accident fundamentally reshaped the entire philosophy of nuclear safety, leading to a complete rethinking of reactor designs and emergency response. Independent regulatory bodies were strengthened, safety responsibilities between operators and regulators were clearly delineated, and safety culture became not just a principle, but a legal requirement.
Modern reactors are designed to be safe even under the most improbable scenarios. They are now equipped with multi-layered “defense-in-depth” systems, core melt traps, and passive safety mechanisms that rely on natural physical processes rather than human intervention.
However, these facts alone are not enough to change public perception of nuclear power. Public trust is built on experience and transparency. That is precisely why our approach in Africa is deliberately open. We do everything we can to ensure that students, young professionals, and journalists can visit nuclear facilities and research centers and learn about personnel training programs. When people see how systems operate and how seriously safety is taken, their attitude toward nuclear energy changes.
Radiation technologies are not only about clean and sustainable energy. They are about the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, food security, educational development, and high-skilled employment. We strive to help people see the tangible benefits of nuclear technologies in their daily lives.
Africa’s priorities are clear: energy security, economic development, and local capacity building. Russia is interested in long-term partnerships with the countries of the continent.
Ethiopia, for example, is focusing on long-term energy security and industrialization. Despite having a well-developed hydropower sector, the country recognizes the need to diversify its energy sources and is ready to take a major step toward nuclear energy.
Rwanda is taking a different approach, with an emphasis on innovation and the speed of its deployment. The country is showing strong interest in small and flexible nuclear technologies, alongside active use of nuclear science in healthcare and agriculture.
Then there is Namibia, a major uranium producer. Partnerships will help this country connect resources to technology, skills, and future energy applications.
Rosatom knows how to adapt to the strategies of individual countries. This means that cooperation with us will foster not only energy development but also long-term technological progress. Rosatom is capable of delivering the entire nuclear value chain, from reactor technologies and fuel supplies to waste management solutions, including reprocessing, as well as human capital development. This comprehensive capability is what allows us to deliver nuclear projects all over the world.
Photo by: The Roscongress Foundation, ASE JSC
