By Tueripura Mundingi /
As Africa grapples with rising electricity demand, unreliable power grids, and the urgent need for clean energy, nuclear power is increasingly seen as a viable solution.
However, the future of nuclear energy is not just about reactors and technology – it is about people. Without a new generation of skilled professionals, Africa’s nuclear ambitions will remain theoretical.
Thus young people are at the centre of Africa’s energy transition. Engaging young people in nuclear science is essential.
And research confirms that they are interested. A global study found that at least two-thirds of young people would consider a career in nuclear energy, a promising sign for the industry’s future.
International forums, from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to regional nuclear bodies, emphasise the urgent need to attract fresh talent to sustain and expand nuclear programmes. To meet this demand, countries are developing nuclear education initiatives, fostering international partnerships, and funding scholarships and exchange programmes.
Africa is no exception. Governments, universities, and private companies are working to ensure that young Africans have access to nuclear education and career pathways. Among the leading initiatives is Rosatom’s “Atoms Empowering Africa” competition, which introduces young Africans to nuclear science and its role in sustainable development.
Now in its eighth year, the competition provides students and young professionals with a platform to showcase their ideas on how nuclear energy can shape Africa’s future. Winners receive the opportunity to visit Russia, where they explore nuclear facilities, research centres, and the world’s first nuclear power plant in Obninsk.
Namibia’s role in the global nuclear industry is undeniable. The country is one of the world’s largest uranium producers, supplying fuel to nuclear reactors worldwide.
Despite this, Namibia itself does not use nuclear energy.
For Namibia to fully benefit from its uranium resources, it must invest in human capital. The country has the opportunity to go beyond being a supplier of raw materials and become a leader in nuclear expertise, fuel cycle management, and technological development.
This cannot happen without a skilled workforce, and Namibia’s young professionals must be at the centre of this transition.
Attracting young people to nuclear careers requires education, awareness, and career opportunities. The country’s universities could introduce nuclear-related degrees, while partnerships with established nuclear nations could provide scholarships and exchange programmes.
Training in radiation science, nuclear safety, and reactor engineering could open doors for Namibian students, allowing them to develop expertise that could one day support a domestic nuclear programme.
One of the biggest barriers to nuclear adoption is public perception. Many young Africans are hesitant about nuclear energy due to widespread misinformation about safety, environmental risks, and costs.
Misconceptions surrounding nuclear accidents, radiation exposure, and waste disposal continue to shape public opinion, often preventing informed discussions about nuclear’s role in Africa’s future.
To change this, outreach and awareness initiatives must be expanded. Competitions like Atoms Empowering Africa provide young people with accurate information and firsthand exposure to nuclear technology.
However, such initiatives must be scaled up to reach more students, particularly in countries like Namibia, where nuclear science is not yet a common field of study.
Beyond competitions, governments and universities should work together to integrate nuclear science into STEM education programmes, ensuring that students are exposed to nuclear topics from an early age.
Hosting public lectures, science fairs, and career development programmes in nuclear fields could help dispel myths and encourage more young people to explore careers in nuclear energy.
Across the continent, African nations are beginning to lay the groundwork for nuclear energy. Egypt is building its first nuclear power plant, while countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria are developing nuclear roadmaps.
Namibia has a unique advantage as a uranium powerhouse, but to fully leverage this potential, it must develop local expertise and nurture a new generation of nuclear professionals.
By investing in nuclear education and fostering youth participation Namibia can ensure that its young people shape the country’s nuclear future – rather than watch from the sidelines.
Nuclear energy is more than just a technical solution to Africa’s energy needs; it is an opportunity for economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement.
The young people who enter the field today will be the ones leading the industry tomorrow.
If Namibia wants to be at the forefront of Africa’s nuclear future, it must act now – by educating, engaging, and empowering its youth.
In the photo: Some young people from several African countries who have gained invaluable knowledge on nuclear power through Rosatom’s Atoms Empowering Africa competitions.
