On May 19, 2026, Rwanda and Tanzania signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration in the energy sector and promoting cross-border partnerships. The landmark agreement was finalized during the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA) 2026, held from May 19 to 21, 2026.
The summit was officially opened by President Kagame and brought together more than 1,200 participants, including heads of state and government officials such as Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Togolese Prime Minister Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, and other dignitaries.
Key Areas of Bilateral Energy Cooperation
The new agreement focuses on cooperation in key areas including energy development, construction of energy infrastructure, advancement of renewable energy initiatives, institutional capacity building in both countries, and strengthening cross-border collaboration.
The agreement was signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, and Tanzania’s Minister of Energy, Deogratius John Ndejembi, in the presence of President Kagame and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Dr. Gasore praised the longstanding relationship between Rwanda and Tanzania, noting that the agreement reflects both countries’ commitment to strengthening existing bilateral relations and enhancing regional cooperation, particularly in the energy sector.
He said: “On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, we appreciate the Government of Tanzania for its high-level cooperation, constructive discussions, and collaborative spirit that characterized the talks leading to this milestone.”
He added that the agreement would support mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as energy trade, infrastructure development, technical collaboration, and efforts to accelerate regional integration within East Africa.
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President Kagame Advocates for Regional Nuclear Power
During the opening of NEISA 2026, President Kagame emphasized that nuclear energy is increasingly being recognized as a key solution for promoting clean energy and presents new opportunities for countries. He noted that Africa should strengthen cooperation to fully benefit from this sector.
He stated: “When countries continue to operate independently, progress becomes slower and more expensive. Regional cooperation in regulation, project financing, and energy system integration is essential. This is why NEISA is important.”
President Kagame also stressed the need to move beyond discussions and focus on implementation, including securing financing mechanisms to drive broader development.
He said: “Rwanda will continue supporting these efforts because this goes beyond the interests of any single country.”
During the summit, President Samia Suluhu Hassan commended President Kagame for his continued efforts in advancing Africa’s nuclear energy agenda, highlighting that although the continent has lagged behind in this sector, it possesses significant natural resources that can support its development.
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Meeting the Surging Demand for Electricity by 2030
Currently, Tanzania generates around 4,500 megawatts of electricity, but projections indicate demand could rise to nearly 8,000 megawatts by 2030 and 70,000 megawatts by 2050.
Rwanda, on the other hand, is expected to require more than 5,000 megawatts of electricity, up from its current generation capacity of 406 megawatts. By 2030, Rwanda aims to establish at least one nuclear power plant capable of generating approximately 600 megawatts.
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Building on Existing Cross-Border Energy Projects
Rwanda and Tanzania already cooperate on several energy projects, including the Rusumo Hydropower Project, which is jointly implemented by Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.
The project has a generation capacity of 80 megawatts, with each country expected to receive 26.6 megawatts. The electricity generated is projected to benefit approximately 1.146 million people, including about 520,000 Burundians, 467,000 Rwandans, and 159,000 Tanzanians.
