Russia expands its nuclear footprint in Africa, set to sign new deal with Burkina Faso 

Russia has continued to grow the number of its African partners in nuclear projects with Burkina Faso being the latest addition to the list.

The West African country is set to sign a roadmap with Rosatom, A Russian state corporation that will lead to the construction of a nuclear power plant in the country.

This was revealed to Sputnik, by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, in an interview on the sidelines of the International Forum on Nuclear Energy (Atomexpo-2024), which was held on the Russian territory of Sirius.

Rosatom initially signed a memorandum with Burkina Faso in October on the construction of a nuclear-powered facility in the West African country.

This was followed by the recently proposed signing of a roadmap that will lead and guide the construction of a nuclear power plant in the country.

Russia has recently signed similar deals and entered nuclear partnerships with other African countries.

This reflects on Russia’s plan to expand its nuclear footprint in Africa and also increase its influence in the continent.

Rosatom, a Russian state corporation specializing in nuclear energy and high-tech products has increasingly looked to penetrate the African market, establishing relations with various African countries.

This aligns with the company’s goal to take advantage of the continent’s enormous potential and expand Russia’s influence in Africa.

African countries that have worked towards partnering with Russia on Nuclear projects include Nigeria, Tanzania, Egypt, Rwanda, Uganda, Mali, Zimbabwe, and Burundi.