Tanzania maps nuclear future with training, safety, uranium plans

“We are working to ensure Tanzania does not rely solely on foreign expertise. By training nuclear professionals, we will have home-grown specialists to guarantee safety and sustainability,” she said.

The government has drawn up a national roadmap to integrate nuclear power into its long-term electricity strategy, in line with National Development Vision 2050.

The plan seeks to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on hydropower and fossil fuels.

Prof Nombo said Tanzania is applying the IAEA milestones approach to review legal and regulatory frameworks as it prepares to establish a uranium mining plant by 2026.

She stressed that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed that safety must remain paramount.

“Her Excellency has insisted that safety and international standards must be central as we prepare for nuclear power generation,” she told delegates.

This year, the government allocated Sh3 billion to sponsor Tanzanians for advanced studies in nuclear science at leading universities abroad.

The announcement was made during the launch of Women in Nuclear Tanzania (WiN Tanzania), a professional network that already has nearly 100 members.

Prof Nombo said the graduates would return with advanced skills to drive progress across multiple industries. WiN Tanzania is focusing on attracting young women into nuclear science.

Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) Director General, Prof Najat Kassim Mohammed, said nuclear applications are already benefiting hospitals, agriculture, water, and research, but experts remain few: “This initiative will help close the gap, especially for women.”

TAEC has been reinforcing its regulatory and technical role since the adoption of the National Nuclear Technology Policy in 2013.

The policy calls for coordination across key sectors so nuclear applications contribute to development.

Peaceful applications

Tanzania’s collaboration with the IAEA is delivering results in health and agriculture.

The Rays of Hope initiative has expanded cancer treatment through radiotherapy and diagnostics, while ATOM4FOOD has strengthened food security by applying nuclear techniques to develop improved crop varieties.

Dar es Salaam-based nuclear physicist Andrew Mwaipopo said these gains prove nuclear science goes beyond energy.

“If we continue investing in expertise, nuclear science could transform healthcare and agriculture. But this requires consistency, political will, and adequate financing,” he said.

Tanzania has also pledged to host an International Nuclear Security Advisory Services mission to enhance safeguards for nuclear and radiological materials.

Prof Nombo said this demonstrates the country’s readiness to meet global security standards.

The IAEA Africa Division Director, Dr Gashaw Gebeyehu Wolde, commended Tanzania’s progress.

“Tanzania is an important partner in Africa. We will expand training and support projects that strengthen your nuclear capacity,” he said.

Uranium prospects

The planned uranium mining plant, expected to begin operations in 2026, will be a milestone in Tanzania’s nuclear journey.

It could supply raw material for both domestic use and export, supporting the ambition of becoming an energy hub in East Africa.

Economists argue that if well managed, uranium mining and nuclear energy could significantly contribute to industrialisation.

According to the Ministry of Energy, electricity demand is projected to triple by 2040, requiring diversified sources to sustain growth.

However, University of Dar es Salaam energy policy expert, Ms Asha Mkwizu warned that the venture’s success depends on human capital.

“Nuclear is not forgiving. It requires precision, expertise, and strong regulation. Investment in training is essential, but Tanzania must also retain those professionals,” she said.

Looking ahead

With investments in skills, regulatory capacity, and global partnerships, Tanzania is charting a deliberate course towards nuclear readiness.

Officials emphasise that peaceful uses remain central, from treating patients and boosting crop yields to conserving scarce water resources.

“Our vision is a Tanzania where nuclear science contributes to health, agriculture, water, and clean energy,” said Prof Nombo in Vienna, adding.

“With our roadmap and human capital development, we believe this future is possible.”

As global debates on clean and sustainable energy intensify, Tanzania’s cautious yet ambitious approach may determine whether its uranium wealth becomes a burden or a blessing.