The Politics of Nuclear Energy in Africa

Nuclear energy remains a deeply contentious issue. With several African states considering turning to nuclear energy to address their soaring energy needs and amid a global resurgence in nuclear energy projects, paying careful attention to the politics of nuclear energy is warranted. Importantly, civilian nuclear energy presents a trade-off, not a solution. While it is undoubtedly the case that nuclear energy can (and, as some argue in this book, should) spearhead the continent’s fight against energy poverty, the dark side of civilian nuclear energy projects looms large. This book provides a timely engagement with Africa’s unfolding nuclear landscape, emphasizing that substantial issues, risks, constraints, challenges, opportunities and benefits will mark the continent’s turn to nuclear energy.