On Wednesday, Rosatom announced that Mali’s ruling military junta and Russia’s state nuclear company signed three cooperation agreements and discussed projects, including a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant.
For years, Rosatom has been actively courting African nations, aiming to generate business by signing cooperation agreements with countries throughout the continent.
This effort has included strengthening relationships with military juntas in West Africa’s Sahel region, which have distanced themselves from traditional Western allies since seizing power in coups since 2020.
Rosatom reported that it met with Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, on July 2 and 3. It also engaged in discussions with junta officials responsible for the economy, energy, and education sectors.
In addition to discussing a “strategic project to build a Russian-designed low-power nuclear power plant in Mali,” the statement noted that junta officials and Rosatom also talked about solar power generation and geological exploration initiatives.
Details about the proposed low-power nuclear power plant for Mali were not disclosed by Rosatom.
According to the statement, “Both parties agreed to maintain ongoing communication and periodically synchronize their positions as collaborative efforts advance.”
At present, the only operational nuclear power station on the African continent is in South Africa, specifically the Koeberg plant near Cape Town.
However, Rosatom is in the process of constructing another nuclear power plant in Egypt.
A massive 9,600 megawatt nuclear power deal between South Africa and Russia was halted by a court challenge in 2017, amid controversies during former president Jacob Zuma’s presidency, which was marred by scandals.