The “Rosatom for Africa” roundtable took place on October 27 at RUDN University with the support of Rosatom during the Third Russia-Africa Summit. The event brought together representatives of Rosatom, partner universities, as well as students and alumni of Rosatom partner universities. The roundtable was moderated by Larisa Efremova (RUDN University) and Masamba Kah (NUSTT MISIS).
The hybrid event brought together over 60 participants from 17 African nations and Russia. Speakers included project leaders from the State Corporation, Uranium One Group, JINR, and experts from leading universities (RUDN, NUSTT MISIS, MEPhI, TPU, MPEI, MIPT). The roundtable was further elevated by the participation of Ambassadors of Russian Nuclear Education and representatives of African alumni associations.
Opening the discussion, Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom
Central and Southern Africa, outlined the key vector of work with the African
continent:
“Every technology project begins with people: a teacher, a student, a graduate who passes knowledge on. Today more than 370 students from 26 African countries study nuclear and related subjects in Russia, and their graduates already work at energy companies, regulators, hospitals and universities across the continent. African graduates of Russian and Soviet universities bring knowledge, networks and trust, and that is a foundation for decades of cooperation. Rosatom is ready to share its technology and experience, and to help build national capabilities in line with each country’s own priorities.”
Participants agreed that the growth of any industry relies on strong educational-industrial partnerships. This synergy is vital for technology exchange and helps solve complex challenges by uniting the resources of science, business, and the state.
“For me, the true scale of Rosatom’s presence in Africa is measured not only by the number of facilities built. It is measured by the number of people who, thanks to these projects, have gained knowledge, a profession, and the opportunity to develop their country,” emphasized Anicet Gabriel Kochafa (Benin), Director General of the International Coordinating Council of Alumni “Incorvuz XXI”, Ambassador of Russian Education and Science.
Future industry professionals also shared their takeaways. Nishimwe Alain Tresor (Burundi), a student at the Obninsk Institute for Nuclear Power Engineering (MEPhI), noted: “I was delighted to participate in the roundtable. It was fascinating to listen to reports from participants across Africa, learn about their projects, and consider their experience for my own country’s industry. I truly believe that by getting an education in Russia and returning home, I will be able to benefit my country.”
