Russia has signed a comprehensive nuclear cooperation agreement with Burkina Faso on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The agreement was signed by Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and Burkina Faso’s Minister of Energy, Yacouba Zabré Gouba. It outlines expanded cooperation in peaceful nuclear technologies, including infrastructure development, radiation safety, and training programmes for Burkinabe specialists.
Likhachev said the agreement was an “important milestone” in bilateral relations. “We are ready to provide advanced technologies and expert support to implement joint projects aimed at sustainable development and enhancing the region’s energy security.”
The agreement builds on a preliminary roadmap signed in March 2023 during the Atomexpo forum in Sochi, which first set the foundation for technical collaboration. Since then, Moscow and Ouagadougou have maintained steady diplomatic and technical exchanges. Russia has responded favourably to the overtures made by Burkina Faso’s transitional president, Ibrahim Traore, who personally requested nuclear assistance from President Vladimir Putin during the second Russia-Africa Summit in July 2023.
Rosatom officials visited Burkina Faso in late 2023 to evaluate potential sites and feasibility for building a nuclear power facility. A formal agreement to construct the plant was signed in October 2024, signalling a long-term partnership.
Burkina Faso is among the world’s least electrified nations, with the World Bank estimating that only about 20% of its population has access to electricity. Beyond electricity generation, the new cooperation agreement includes provisions for workforce training and regulatory development in line with international norms, particularly those outlined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Rosatom has pledged to assist in establishing a national nuclear regulatory framework, provide education for Burkinabe engineers and technicians, and introduce radioisotope applications in sectors such as medicine, agriculture, and industry. In line with these efforts, Rosatom may also offer scholarships for students from Burkina Faso to study at Russian technical universities.
A delegation of Burkina Faso led by Energy Minister Gouba also visited the Leningrad-II NPP where discussions were held with Rosatom officials. “The process of creating the nuclear industry is not fast,” said Gouba. “So far we have taken only the first steps, but now we can confidently say we were not mistaken when we knocked on Rosatom’s door. This company is a recognised leader in the use of a peaceful atom, including in the production of electricity. Today we are convinced of this by evaluating the design solutions of the new Leningrad power units and seeing how efficiently, reliably and safely they work in reality.”
He added: “It is also important that, having the most advanced technologies and knowledge in this and related fields, Rosatom is ready to share its achievements with other countries, guaranteeing support on all issues. I believe that our cooperation will become the key to the energy security of Burkina Faso and a driver for the development of its economy and industry. It will help us achieve the goals of sustainable development of the UN and improve the quality of life of the population.”
Rosatom officials affirmed that they were ready to help Burkina Faso in key tasks including changing legislation, creating the necessary infrastructure, as well as training personnel.
