Burkina Faso Signs Nuclear Plant Deal with Russia

The Burkina Faso's military rulers have recently partnered with Russia to construct a nuclear power facility with the aim of enhancing the country's electricity provision. 

The initiative is part of the junta's ongoing efforts to align itself with Russia, as it has experienced strained relationships with many Western allies. Following the junta's seizure of power in 2022, it has sought economic and military assistance from Russia.

The discussion between Ibrahim Traore, the leader of the junta, and Russian President Vladimir Putin started during the Russia-Africa summit in July 2023. Traore sought Putin's assistance in establishing a nuclear power facility in Burkina Faso to address the nation's energy requirements.

Burkina Faso ranks among the countries with the lowest levels of electrification worldwide, as only a mere 21% of its population has access to electricity.

The country aims to reach 95% electricity access in cities and 50% in rural areas by 2030 with the majority of their electricity currently coming from biofuels such as charcoal,wood and oil products contributing to a third of their energy supply, according to the International Energy Agency.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) stated that Burkina Faso possesses one of the most expensive electricity rates on the African continent.

Russia has also signed deals with some other African countries like  Egypt where they  entered into an agreement in 2017 for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Egypt, costing $30 billion. 

Similarly, Russia also signed a deal with Nigeria in the same year for the construction of power plants, but the project has not yet commenced. Rwanda disclosed that it had chosen Dual Fluid Energy, a Canadian-German company, to construct a nuclear reactor by 2028.

Kenya has expressed its intention to build its inaugural nuclear power plant by 2027, but it has yet to determine its international collaborator.