Rosatom Provides Africa with Nuclear Energy

According to available data, Rosatom has entered into nuclear energy partnership agreements with at least 20 African countries, including Namibia, Niger, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Ethiopia, Congo, and Guinea, as well as Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, and Nigeria. This extensive network of partnerships reflects Moscow’s determination to make Africa a strategic priority region and to build economic and political partnerships capable of offsetting the effects of Western sanctions.

The timing of this development is particularly significant. As global uranium prices rose from approximately $58.77 per pound in 2025 to more than $85 per pound by May 2026, driven by projected growth in demand for nuclear energy and supply constraints, the economic rationale for the Mkuju River project in Tanzania has strengthened considerably.

At the same time, Russia’s strategic positioning in Africa has strengthened following the imposition of Western sanctions in connection with the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, making partnerships with African countries in the resource sector increasingly important for Moscow’s economic and geopolitical objectives.

The geological basis of the project appears solid. The Mkuju River mine is described as the largest uranium deposit in Tanzania, with estimated reserves of 182.1 million tonnes of ore at a uranium grade of 0.025%. More specifically, proven and probable uranium reserves at the Mkuju River mine as of December 31, 2016, were estimated at 25,900 tonnes, measured and indicated resources reached nearly 48,000 tonnes of uranium, and a further 10,600 tonnes were classified as inferred resources.

Other sources indicate identified uranium resources of approximately 55,000 tonnes, while some estimates suggest up to 58,500 tonnes of uranium resources and a projected mine life of 22 years. These reserves are substantial enough to place Tanzania among the world’s top ten uranium producers once the project reaches full capacity, potentially making it the third-largest uranium producer on the continent after Niger and Namibia.

For Russia, the Mkuju River uranium project serves multiple strategic objectives that extend far beyond the immediate commercial benefits of uranium sales. The project supports Russia’s broader strategic goals. The strategic objectives of the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom include securing access to key natural resources, expanding geopolitical influence in Africa, building long-term economic partnerships capable of mitigating the effects of Western sanctions, and strengthening Russia’s position as a global partner for developing countries in the nuclear sector.

To achieve these objectives, Russia must manage risks and challenges in the region. Western sanctions, particularly those pressuring African countries to reduce trade relations with Russian companies, could hinder Rosatom’s activities in Africa.

Environmental and social issues associated with uranium mining, if not properly addressed, could damage Rosatom’s reputation and complicate project implementation. Commodity price volatility may affect project profitability. Long project timelines make them vulnerable to changes in the political and economic situation in both Russia and Tanzania, potentially threatening their sustainability. Competition from Chinese nuclear companies, which are expanding their presence in Africa by offering competitive financing and technology, could reduce Rosatom’s market share and strategic influence.

Author: Postgraduate Student and Assistant at the Department of World Economy and World Finance, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation Rafael Mulenga.