Burkina Faso and Mali have recently entered into a significant nuclear agreement with Russia, facilitated by Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned atomic energy company. This agreement opens up avenues for extensive collaboration between the countries in the development of nuclear infrastructure for peaceful purposes.
Yacouba Zabré Gouba, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Energy, shared this news in an interview with the Russian media outlet Sputnik. He highlighted the progress made through the signing of a roadmap with Rosatom and the finalization of four memoranda of understanding in 2024.
The primary objective of this agreement is to help Burkina Faso diversify its energy sources and meet the increasing demand for electricity in the country. Burkina Faso, one of the least electrified nations globally, views nuclear energy as a transformative opportunity to enhance energy capacity and bolster energy security.
Gouba emphasized that the agreement signifies a new chapter in cooperation between Burkina Faso and Russia, particularly in the field of electronuclear programs. This agreement is the culmination of a series of steps taken to enhance nuclear cooperation between the two nations.
Under the terms of the agreement, Rosatom will play a crucial role in supporting Burkina Faso and Mali in the construction of nuclear power plants and research reactors. Additionally, Russia will provide essential services related to the nuclear fuel cycle, including fuel supply and waste management, positioning Russia as a key partner in achieving the nuclear goals of both countries.
Gouba expressed optimism about the future collaboration between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Russia in advancing their electronuclear programs. He mentioned that they are eagerly awaiting the technical and financial proposal from Rosatom to assess the viability of continuing with the program.
For Russia, this agreement solidifies its presence in Africa, particularly in francophone nations that have closer ties with Moscow. Burkina Faso’s deepening connections with Russia, especially in the security and energy sectors, signify a shift away from traditional Western allies.
Overall, the Burkina Faso and Mali nuclear deal with Russia marks a significant milestone in the countries’ efforts to harness nuclear energy for sustainable development and energy security. This partnership holds promise for future advancements in the electronuclear sector and underscores the importance of international collaboration in the pursuit of clean and reliable energy sources.
