NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV opens the conference
The International Conference on Nuclear Energy (ICoNE) held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 24 to 26 March 2026, brought together representatives from African governments, nuclear regulators, technical experts, academia, development partners and international organisations to discuss the role of nuclear energy in supporting Africa’s clean energy transition and long‑term development goals.
Jointly hosted by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), Kenya’s Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), the US Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology (FIRST) Programme, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), the conference provided a platform for high‑level dialogue and technical exchange on how nuclear energy can contribute to energy security, economic transformation and climate objectives across the African continent. More than 500 participants from 33 countries attended the event.
H.E. Dr William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya delivers a keynote address
H.E. Dr William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, delivered a keynote address highlighting the potential of nuclear energy to provide clean, reliable electricity while strengthening energy security and supporting economic development. In his remarks, President Ruto also outlined Kenya’s progress in developing its nuclear power programme and the country’s plans for future nuclear new build.
H.E. Dr Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs of Kenya, delivers closing remarks on 26 March
Africa’s energy demand is rising rapidly, driven by population growth, urbanisation and industrialisation. As some countries are exploring nuclear energy as part of a diversified energy mix to meet growing electricity needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ICoNE 2026 focused on strengthening regional co‑operation, building national and institutional capacity, and fostering informed engagement among policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders and civil society.
High-level opening session with Dr Naoki Chigusa, CEO, World Association of Nuclear Operators; Peter Njenga, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Electricity Generating Company; CS Justus A. Wabuyabo, CEO, NuPEA, Kenya; Gaspard Liyoko Mboyo, Chairperson, African Commission on Nuclear Energy; William D. Magwood, IV, NEA Director-General; James Keter Chumba, Director General, Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority; Joshua Tabah, High Commissioner of Canada to Kenya; Seth Maddox, Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Civil Nuclear Co-operation Team Lead, United States
Speakers of the session “Pamoja! Advancing nuclear energy in Africa”: Serah Esendi Okumu, Director, Legal & Regulatory Services & Corporation Secretary, NuPEA, Kenya; Prof. Lisa Marshall, Assistant Extension Professor & Director of Outreach, Retention & Engagement, North Carolina State University Department of Nuclear Engineering, United States; Winfred Ndubai, Director, Strategy and Planning, NuPEA, Kenya; Yeonhee Hah, Senior Capacity Building Officer, International Nuclear Safety School, Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety; Rebecca Tadesse, Head, Division of Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning, NEA; Harriette Chiggai, Presidential Advisor, Office of the Women Rights Advisor, Executive Office of the President, Kenya
The three‑day programme covered a wide range of topics relevant to countries at different stages of nuclear energy development. Sessions addressed nuclear programme outlooks and the role of nuclear projects in supporting economic and industrial development, as well as strategies for developing skilled workforce and local supply chains.
Several sessions focused on cross‑cutting issues critical to successful nuclear deployment, including financing approaches, regulatory co‑operation and standardisation, nuclear security, fuel cycle and waste management strategies, and the socioeconomic impacts of nuclear power during construction and operation. Dedicated discussions also examined public acceptance and community engagement, including approaches to addressing the “not in my backyard” phenomenon, and the importance of effective communication on nuclear energy.
Youth engagement was addressed during a panel discussion on the role of young professionals in advancing Africa’s nuclear vision and building long‑term institutional capacity.
Conference sessions addressed a broad range of topics related to nuclear energy development
Throughout the conference, participants shared experiences and lessons learned from nuclear newcomer countries and more advanced programmes, drawing on international best practices and the technical and policy expertise of the NEA and other global partners.
By convening a diverse group of stakeholders, ICoNE 2026 contributed to deepening understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with nuclear energy in Africa and to strengthening networks that can support the safe, secure and sustainable development of the sector across the continent.
