Many African countries are in the grip of a nuclear fad. They believe nuclear energy will bring with it an international currency of prestige. Countries with nuclear energy programs are seen as rich and technologically advanced, and as a result possess advanced status compared to other developing countries.
Nuclear is not new to Africa. It has been active since the 1950s when the Democratic Republic of Congo built Africa’s first nuclear reactor. But now, more African countries are planning to develop atomic power for energy security.
There are 12 nuclear research reactors hosted in eight African countries. South Africa is the only African country with an operational nuclear power plant. But the list of countries seeking nuclear energy is long. Sub-Saharan countries of Ghana, Niger, Uganda, and others have expressed interest in building nuclear plants. North African countries Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia have similar plans.
