Why russia is helping African countries develop nuclear energy
Some African countries cooperate or seek to cooperate with russia in the field of nuclear energy. Recently, russia and Mali held negotiations on the construction of a nuclear power plant.
▫️ The African continent is characterized by a significant electricity shortage, leading to a natural demand for nuclear energy. So russia is aiming to capitalize on this market.
▫️ Rosatom offers comprehensive agreements ranging from training of local workers to uranium supplies throughout the entire period of plant exploitation and nuclear waste management. To attract countries facing financial difficulties, russia provides loans. For example, russia is lending Egypt $25 billion to cover 85% of the cost of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, which is being built by Rosatom.
Through such initiatives, russia is seeking to expand its influence on the African continent, which holds the largest share of votes in the UN. Moscow aims to create long-term energy dependence in the region’s countries while also attempting to weaken the impact of international sanctions.
