Burkina Faso Moves Forward with Nuclear Project: Lawmakers Approve Ratification of Agreement on the Peaceful Use of Nucl

Ouagadougou, November 21, 2025 - The Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) unanimously adopted, on Friday, the bill authorizing the ratification of the cooperation agreement between Burkina Faso and the Russian Federation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This marks a major step in the country’s ambition to develop electro-nuclear capacity and strengthen its energy sovereignty.

The plenary session of November 21 was highlighted by the presentation of the bill by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, who once again defended the initiative introduced by the government. The bill builds on the cooperation agreement signed with Russia on June 19, 2025, laying the foundation for a strategic partnership in the civilian nuclear sector.

During discussions, lawmakers expressed several important concerns, particularly regarding:

The overall cost of building and operating a nuclear facility;

Safety and security guarantees, especially in relation to technological risks;

The availability of domestic expertise to manage, operate, and maintain nuclear installations;

Modalities of regional cooperation, especially with other members of the AES Confederation, within a framework of integrated energy planning.

Several speakers stressed the need for a long-term vision, a strong regulatory framework, and significant capacity building for national technical personnel.

A Government Defense Focused on Energy Sovereignty

Minister Traoré responded in detail, emphasizing the strategic relevance of civilian nuclear energy for Burkina Faso.

According to him, nuclear technology represents one of the most reliable and effective solutions today to meet:

the growing demand for electricity,

the country’s industrial ambitions,

the need for economic competitiveness,

and the challenge of energy autonomy.

“If we want to live up to our industrial promises, enhance the competitiveness of our economy, and consolidate our energy sovereignty, this option becomes necessary,” the minister declared, stressing that nuclear energy will allow the country to reach a competitive level in the long term.

He also reaffirmed the unwavering determination of the President of Faso to see this initiative through, highlighting its structural and historic significance for the nation.

Unanimous Vote Gives Government the Green Light for the Nuclear Program

Convinced by the minister’s arguments, lawmakers cast a unanimous vote in favor of the bill, thereby granting the government the official mandate to begin the operational implementation of the national nuclear program.

Following the vote, the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Quarries, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, welcomed what he described as a “decisive milestone” for Burkina Faso. He stated that this adoption represents a major advancement, clearing the way for the development of a sovereign, diversified, and resilient energy capacity.

The adoption of this law marks the beginning of a structuring process for the future of Burkina Faso’s energy landscape. It opens the door to:

the technical planning of the nuclear project,

the training of a national specialized engineering corps,

the development of international partnerships,

and the establishment of a nuclear safety framework aligned with international standards.

This strategic decision, rooted in a desire for energy independence, positions Burkina Faso among the African nations turning to civilian nuclear power as a driver of economic transformation.