President Paul Kagame has warned that Africa must urgently prepare for rising energy demand driven by industrialization, artificial intelligence, and rapid population growth.

Speaking at the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit currently taking place in Kigali, Kagame said nuclear energy could become an important pillar of Africa’s future energy mix.

He noted that Rwanda expects to begin using nuclear energy in the early 2030s after successfully completing the first stage of the IAEA nuclear infrastructure assessment.

Kagame said Africa’s future workforce, expected to become the largest globally by 2050, could become a major economic opportunity if supported by adequate infrastructure and energy supply.

“That demographic shift could become one of the greatest economic opportunities of this century if we prepare well,” he said.

The Rwandan leader also urged global institutions and investors to support Africa’s nuclear ambitions through practical financing and favorable regulatory systems.