Africa’s Nuclear Future Hinges On Skills Development, Experts Say At BRICS Platform

Nuclear industry experts have highlighted the critical importance of human resource development and skills training in expanding nuclear energy capacity across Africa.

The discussions took place on March 5, 2026, during an expert session of the BRICS Nuclear Platform held as part of the Nuclear Forum at the Africa Energy Indaba 2026 International Exhibition and Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

The session brought together representatives from nuclear organisations, government institutions, and engineering bodies across the BRICS+ countries and Africa to exchange best practices in workforce development and specialist training for the nuclear sector.

Participants included Elizabeth Marabwa, Chief Director at the Department of Electricity and Energy of South Africa; Shirley Mabika of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station at Eskom; Tatiana Terentyeva, Deputy Director General for Human Resources at Rosatom; Sithembile Mbuyisa, Group Executive for Human Potential at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA); Fidele Ndahayo, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board; Refilwe Buthelezi, President of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations; Xianglai Meng of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC); Sherif Helmy, Chairman of Egypt’s Nuclear Power Plants Authority; Celso Cunha, President of the Brazilian Association for Nuclear Activities (ABDAN); and Teklemariam Tessema Tohe of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology.

The event was moderated by Elsie Pule, Head Coordinator of the BRICS Nuclear Platform.

The primary objective of the session was to share best practices in human resource development among nuclear organisations in BRICS+ and African countries and to explore solutions that could help build the skilled workforce required to expand the nuclear industry across the African continent.

Holding the meeting in South Africa highlighted the growing role African nations are expected to play in the development of nuclear technologies and energy infrastructure.

Tatiana Terentyeva, Deputy Director General for Human Resources at Rosatom, emphasised the company’s focus on human capital development in supporting global nuclear programmes.

According to her, Rosatom’s human-centred approach has already produced measurable results, with more than 2,400 students from 65 countries currently receiving nuclear education through Rosatom’s partner universities.

She noted that more than 350 of these students come from 24 African countries.

“It is especially important that 70 percent of our international graduates successfully build careers in their home countries, applying the knowledge gained to develop national energy programmes,” she said.

Participants also stressed the importance of accelerating technology localisation and establishing local training programmes to build a sustainable nuclear workforce across the region.

They noted that developing young professionals and strengthening human capital in Africa’s nuclear sector will require substantial investment. Experts also pointed out that women remain underrepresented in the industry and called for greater inclusion.

Elsie Pule said the issues raised during the session would guide the work of the BRICS Nuclear Platform’s Skills and Talent Development Working Group.

She also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Rosatom and NECSA aimed at strengthening cooperation in human resource development.

“As Head Coordinator of the BRICS Nuclear Platform, I am particularly pleased to witness the participants of the Platform, namely Rosatom and NECSA, signing a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in human resource development. This underscores the importance of joint efforts in both multilateral and bilateral formats,” she said.

During her welcome address, Pule also announced the launch of the “Atoms Empowering Africa” competition, which the BRICS Nuclear Platform will support as a key partner.

The regional competition, scheduled for 2026, aims to strengthen educational and youth networks in the nuclear industry across Africa while promoting leadership development and increasing awareness of nuclear energy among future generations.