Cape Town, South Africa – The 15th Nuclear Forum at the Africa Energy Indaba will take place from 3 to 5 March 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, gathering African and international leaders, policymakers, investors, technology providers, and energy specialists to explore the growing role of nuclear power in Africa’s clean-energy transition.
The event comes as South Africa implements its revised Integrated Resource Plan, which outlines an R2.23 trillion investment in energy infrastructure by 2042. Nuclear and gas together are projected to contribute 16 percent of the country’s electricity generation capacity over the next 14 years, up from three percent today, a move described by the South African Minister of Electricity and Energy as the single largest post-apartheid investment programme to strengthen energy security.
Globally, nuclear energy is experiencing renewed momentum. In 2024, nuclear reactors generated a record 2,667 terawatt-hours of electricity. Worldwide nuclear generating capacity is expected to grow from around 395 gigawatts in 2024 to approximately 494 gigawatts by 2035, with new technologies such as Small Modular Reactors playing a major role. The International Atomic Energy Agency projects that, under a high-growth scenario, global nuclear capacity could more than double by 2050, reaching nearly 992 gigawatts from the current 377 gigawatts.
Africa is preparing to expand its nuclear footprint. Currently, nuclear contributes only a small fraction of the continent’s power supply, but projections suggest capacity could increase tenfold by 2050. Africa possesses nearly 20 percent of the world’s recoverable uranium resources and produces over 18 percent of global uranium, creating a strategic base for indigenous nuclear deployment. Several African nations, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, and Namibia, are advancing nuclear infrastructure and development plans.
The 15th Nuclear Forum will provide a platform for examining global nuclear trends, the deployment of Small Modular Reactors, financing models, and addressing regulatory, technical, human-capital, and supply-chain challenges specific to Africa. Discussions will focus on how nuclear energy can accelerate energy security, economic growth, and decarbonisation. The forum will also showcase project opportunities, investment pathways, and public-private partnership options suitable for African markets.
The forum offers participants a vantage point to engage in one of the continent’s largest infrastructure investment programmes and gain insights into how nuclear energy can support Africa’s sustainable energy future while aligning with global clean-energy trends.
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