Nuclear energy in Africa: Challenges and pathways to sustainable development

Africa faces a critical energy deficit, with only 43 % of its population accessing electricity despite possessing 18 % of global uranium reserves. This study addresses three critical research gaps through a systematic analysis of 270 sources (2000–2024): the feasibility of different nuclear reactor technologies across African countries, innovative financing mechanisms for African markets, and policy frameworks for nuclear integration in African contexts. The study develops a novel Integrated Framework for Nuclear Energy Development in Africa (IFNEDA), comprising four strategic pillars: technical readiness, economic viability, social acceptance, and policy frameworks. Key findings demonstrate that Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offer 40–50 % lower upfront costs and 3–5 years shorter construction times, making nuclear power accessible to countries with limited grid capacity. IFNEDA’s innovative financing mechanisms could reduce initial capital requirements by 30–40 % through risk-sharing arrangements. The framework’s three-phase implementation methodology provides structured pathways validated through case studies in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. This research contributes the first comprehensive, Africa-specific nuclear development framework that integrates technological innovation with regional cooperation strategies, offering evidence-based policy recommendations for sustainable energy transition.