Russia and Turkey strengthen their nuclear footprint in Africa

Russia and Turkey have recently strengthened their nuclear footprint in Africa, the former by inking a nuclear deal with the Congo and the latter through reported efforts by to acquire some of Niger’s uranium assets to support its growing nuclear-power industry.

After being involved in several nuclear deals across Africa, Russia’s state company Rosatom which focuses on nuclear energy, nuclear non-energy goods, and high-tech, has opted to engage in a new arrangement with Congo-Brazzaville. The latest nuclear cooperation deal focuses on the development of hydropower and nuclear energy in the African country. As part of its campaign to intensify its influence in Africa, Rosatom has collaborated with the Republic of Guinea on an ambitious project to build floating nuclear power plants and earlier this year, it has also signed a memorandum of cooperation with Algeria that reportedly focuses on the development of nuclear technology in medicine, the application of research reactors, or the manufacturing of medicines.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s foreign, defense, and energy ministers travelled to Niger earlier this week to secure access to the nation’s abundant uranium deposits. This visit comes after Niger’s ruling junta announced it decision to revoke mining rights from French and Canadian companies for uranium development. Turkish President Erdogan aims to expand his country’s influence in Africa and defended Niger’s decision to halt uranium exports to France, citing the European country’s historical oppression of Niger. The Turkish delegation’s visit also coincides with Russia’s efforts to acquire some of Niger’s uranium assets. The Sahel country provides about 5% of the world’s uranium resources and is a top 10 provider of the fuel.