The agreement aims to expand electricity access, develop atomic medicine, and train nuclear specialists in Niger

Russia and Niger have formalized plans to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including the construction of power-generation infrastructure in the West African country, where nearly 80% of the population lacks access to electricity.

According to the press service of the Russian Energy Ministry, Russia's state nuclear power corporation (Rosatom) and Niger's Energy Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday. The agreement was concluded during an official visit to Niamey by Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev, accompanied by a large delegation of government officials and business representatives.

"Our task is not just to participate in uranium mining, we must create a whole system for the development of peaceful atom in Niger," Tsivilev said in a statement posted on the ministry's Telegram channel.

"This includes the construction of power generation so that it is available to every resident of the country, and cooperation in the field of atomic medicine. We also agreed on the joint training of specialists in this field," he added.

Tsivilev also met with Niger's transitional president, Abdourahamane Tchiani, PM Ali Lamine Zeine, and Mines Minister Ousmane Abarchi, and discussed plans to establish a Russian-Nigerien intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, according to the statement.

"The countries consider each other important partners," the Russian Energy Ministry said, adding that the creation of a joint intergovernmental commission would mark a key stage in the development of bilateral relations and help place cooperation on a more structured footing.

The move comes amid Russia's growing ties with African countries across sectors including energy, defense, infrastructure, and education.

Last month, Rosatom finalized an agreement with Niger's neighbor Mali to expand cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The deal, building on an MoU signed in October 2023, covers infrastructure development, joint projects in healthcare and agriculture, and the training of specialists.

Last October, neighboring Burkina Faso signed a deal with Rosatom for the construction of a nuclear power plant, following a request made by its interim leader, Ibrahim Traore, to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the second Russia-Africa summit.

(RT.com)