Russia plans to construct a nuclear power plant to fulfill Burkina Faso's energy requirements

Burkina Faso's military leaders have signed an agreement with Russia to construct a nuclear power plant in order to increase the country's electricity supply. This move comes as the junta seeks to strengthen ties with Russia after falling out with its Western partners. Since seizing power last year, the junta has turned to Russia for both economic and military support. Burkina Faso currently has one of the lowest rates of electrification worldwide, with only 21% of the population having access to power. The new deal with Russia is the result of discussions between Burkinabe military ruler, Capt Ibrahim Traore, and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Russia-Africa summit in July. Capt Traore emphasized the country's critical need for energy and the potential of a nuclear power plant in meeting both its own and its neighboring countries' energy demands. Burkina Faso aims to achieve 95% electricity access for urban areas and 50% for rural areas by 2030. Currently, the country primarily relies on biofuels and oil products for its energy supply. While South Africa is the only African state currently producing nuclear power commercially, more African nations, including Burkina Faso, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda, are moving towards nuclear power as a means to meet their energy needs. The increased access to energy in sub-Saharan Africa is still relatively low, with over 50% of the region's population lacking electricity access, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.