Insights and analysis

Africa going nuclear

Can African states turn their nuclear power ambitions into reality?

Africa loses about 4% of its GDP annually due to insufficient electricity generation. According to the World Nuclear Association, over 15 African nations may have uranium deposits, while the three largest — South Africa, Namibia and Niger — account for some 18% of world production today. Of more than 30 states considering or preparing nuclear power programs for the first time, a third are in Africa. Yet nuclear is not such a clear cut solution to Africa’s power problems. The economics of building nuclear plants are not as rosy as they once were and the distribution infrastructure is weak. But just as there are critics of nuclear for Africa, there are strong proponents.

Source: McKinsey