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Second Russia–Africa Summit
The Second Summit Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum will take place in St. Petersburg from July 27-28.The First Russia-Africa Summit and Economic Forum was held in the Russian resort city of Sochi in October 2019.

Africa Has No Choice But 'to Go the Nuclear Route': Burundian Minister

© Sputnik . Alexander Galperin / Go to the mediabankStand of the state corporation Rosatom at the exhibition at the second Russia-Africa Summit St. Petersburg on July 27, 2023.
Stand of the state corporation Rosatom at the exhibition at the second Russia-Africa Summit St. Petersburg on July 27, 2023. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 28.07.2023
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During the first day of the Russia-Africa Summit, which kicked off in St. Petersburg on Thursday, Burundi and Russia signed an intergovernmental agreement on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation. The agreement provides for the practical implementation of joint projects in a wide range of areas.
If Africa wants to become energy self-sufficient and be able to meet its own energy needs, the continent has no choice but to enter the path of nuclear development, said Ibrahim Uwizeye, Burundi's Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines, in an interview with Sputnik Africa on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit.
According to the minister, nuclear technologies are vital for Africa in terms of achieving energy self-sufficiency. He emphasized that Sub-Saharan Africa needs "efficient energy" in order to develop and advance projects in other areas aimed at facilitating the continent's economy.
"Based on that, we have no other choice, we have no other way than to enter the nuclear route," he said.
Construction of Russia's Nuclear Power Plant - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 27.07.2023
Second Russia–Africa Summit
Head of Russia's Rosatom Says Africa Has Great Potential in Nuclear Technologies
Uwizeye elaborated that nuclear technologies could give a boost for Africa in the field of health, agriculture, infrastructure and industries.
The minister noted that during the Russia-Africa Summit, Burundi and Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom signed an intergovernmental agreement.
Signed by Burundi's Foreign Minister Albert Shingiro and Rosatom Director General Aleksey Likhachev, the agreement provides for assistance in the creation of Burundi's nuclear infrastructure, legal regulation, basic research, and the production of radioisotopes and their use in industry, medicine, and agriculture.

"I am sure and certain that we are on the right track to have this kind of technology," Uwizeye said, adding: "I even visited a 1,400-megawatt plant, which I thought was really fantastic, and it really impressed me. So I would like to see my country have that kind of plant one day."

Moreover, on the sidelines of the summit, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Rosatom and the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research of Burundi on cooperation in education and training of personnel for the nuclear power industry of the African country.
Uwizeye also stated that Burundi invites Russian specialists and investors for the development of mining deposits. He added that the country is "open to cooperation" with Russia, noting that Burundi has rich nickel reserves.
 Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimye before the start of the plenary session of the II Russia-Africa Summit and Forum at the Expoforum Convention and Exhibition Center July 27, 2023 - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 27.07.2023
Second Russia–Africa Summit
Putin Says Russia, Burundi Have Prospects for Boosting Cooperation
In November 2022, Russia and Burundi signed a roadmap on building dialogue in peaceful nuclear development. In March this year, Burundi signed a memorandum of understanding with Russia to continue studies on the possibility of operating a nuclear power plant. In late May, the country confirmed its interest in Russian technologies during a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
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