Zimbabwe pursues nuclear power for industrial growth
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Zimbabwe’s government is investigating advanced nuclear technologies, specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), to bolster the country’s energy supply and support its industrialisation goals.
Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo announced this initiative while speaking at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference in Vienna, Austria. Zimbabwe aims to transform itself into an upper-middle-income society by 2030 and views nuclear technology as essential to achieving this vision.
The country is building the necessary infrastructure and workforce to safely use nuclear energy. Zimbabwe’s Centre for Education, Innovation, Research and Development (CEIRD) signed an agreement with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) to study the feasibility of deploying an Innovative Small Modular Reactor (i-SMR). This collaboration will help Zimbabwe develop expertise in nuclear technology and inform future policy decisions. Beyond energy, Zimbabwe is also applying nuclear technology in healthcare to combat a growing cancer burden.
The nation recently restored radiotherapy services in public hospitals and anticipates further improvements through the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative. Nuclear techniques are also being used to improve agricultural productivity and food security. Zimbabwe is also working to safely manage radioactive waste and is participating in an IAEA program to repurpose disused radium for cancer treatment.
