Share the page
The European Union and African partners reinforce nuclear safety cooperation
Published on
Pretoria, South Africa – January 2026
From 14 to 16 January 2026, European and African partners met in Pretoria, South Africa, to review progress and reinforce strategic cooperation on nuclear safety and radiation protection, under the European Union–funded project “Strengthening Nuclear Safety Regulatory Capacity in Africa”. Bilateral progress meetings and the second Steering Committee meeting for the project were held.
Funded by the EU and co-financed by France, the €4.9 million project contributes to the EU’s external action objectives by strengthening independent and sustainable regulatory authorities in partner countries, in line with international safety standards and best practices, while reinforcing international cooperation and global nuclear safety.
Launched in December 2024 for a duration of 48 months, the project aims to enhance the competence, independence, and long-term sustainability of nuclear safety and radiation protection regulatory authorities in six African partner countries: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa.
The project is implemented by Expertise France, the French public agency for international technical cooperation, with the support of leading European nuclear safety organisations: ASNR (France), BEL V (Belgium), CSN (Spain), GRS (Germany), STUK (Finland), SÚJB (Czech Republic) and Bureau Veritas (French company).
A key feature of the project is its bilateral, country-specific approach, enabling each partner country to benefit from a programme tailored to its national priorities, regulatory needs, and level of nuclear development.
Following the kick-off meeting held in Rabat in February 2025, the first year of implementation delivered 32 technical activities, including 21 bilateral and 11 multi-country activities, demonstrating tangible progress and strong partner engagement.
This week’s meetings in Pretoria provided an opportunity for in-depth assessment of country-specific achievements and challenges, while refining work plans for the next phase of implementation. The Steering Committee meeting specifically offered strategic guidance, ensured alignment with EU objectives, and confirmed priorities for the coming year.
Key areas of cooperation
The project’s technical assistance covers critical regulatory domains, including:
- Radiation protection, spent fuel, and radioactive waste management
- Safety review and assessment
- Harmonisation of regulations and alignment with international best practices
- Emergency preparedness and response, including radiation monitoring systems
- Support to the establishment of a national centre for nuclear or radiological emergencies in Morocco
- Capacity building and sustained follow-up support
For more information, please contact:
- Mrs. Giulia Sebastio, European Commission Project Manager - Nuclear Safety and Safeguards, Directorate-General for International Partnerships
E-mail: Giulia.SEBASTIO@ec.europa.eu
- Mrs. Marie Saquet, Head of Hazards Prevention, Reduction and Adaptation, for Expertise France - E-mail: marie.saquet@expertisefrance.fr
- Mr. Jean-René Jourdain, Deputy Director for International Services, French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority
Email: jean-rene.jourdain@asnr.fr
On the same topic
Strengthening nuclear safety in Africa
Ongoing
2024 - 2028
Funders : European Union, Government of France
