Executive Summary
The IAEA 70th General Conference (GC70) underscored a global shift toward integrating nuclear science into sustainable development. For Wem’Afrika Security, the conference highlights a clear trend: international focus on Africa is intensifying, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and water security. As African nations increase their engagement with the IAEA, the demand for local, specialized implementation partners in security and project management is set to rise significantly.
1. IAEA GC70: Global Overview
GC70 convened over 3,600 experts, ministers, and stakeholders, focusing on the intersection of nuclear technology and global stability..Key outcomes included new Board of Governors elections, budget discussions, technical cooperation funding commitments, and stronger support for nuclear applications in health, agriculture, water, and energy
- Nuclear Energy Expansion: There is a robust global push for reliable, low-carbon energy. The IAEA is actively assisting newcomer countries in establishing nuclear power programs, with a particular focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).A major focus of GC70 was the increasing global demand for secure, reliable, and low-carbon energy sources. Delegates discussed the role of nuclear power in addressing energy security challenges and reducing carbon emissions while supporting economic growth. Attention was given to the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), support mechanisms for newcomer countries seeking to establish nuclear power programmes, and long-term forecasts indicating significant growth in global nuclear generating capacity over the coming decades. The IAEA reiterated its commitment to assisting developing countries in establishing safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear energy programmes that can contribute to national development strategies and climate commitments.
- Nuclear Safety & Security: A major theme was the protection of critical nuclear infrastructure. Key concerns include cybersecurity, the security of radioactive sources, and the resilience of facilities during geopolitical instability.The conference also examined a broad range of nuclear safety and security issues. Delegates discussed the protection of nuclear facilities during armed conflict, the increasing importance of cybersecurity in nuclear operations, the security of radioactive sources, emergency preparedness and response mechanisms, and the physical protection of nuclear infrastructure. Particular concern was expressed regarding the safety and security of nuclear facilities located in conflict zones, especially in relation to ongoing developments in Ukraine. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation to ensure that nuclear materials and facilities remain protected under all circumstances.
- Technical Cooperation: The Technical Cooperation Fund (TCF) remains the primary vehicle for development. The IAEA reaffirmed its commitment to using nuclear applications to bolster health, agriculture, and water management in developing nations. Discussions focused on expanding IAEA assistance programmes that support cancer treatment, agricultural productivity, water resource management, food security, industrial applications, and human resource development. Member States reaffirmed the importance of the Technical Cooperation Fund (TCF) as the primary mechanism for financing these initiatives and pledged continued support to ensure that developing countries can benefit from peaceful nuclear technologies. The conference highlighted the growing role of technical cooperation in helping countries address development challenges while strengthening institutional capacity and technical expertise
2. Africa’s Strategic Engagement
Africa was a central theme at GC70, with active promotion by the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE).
Africa emerged as one of the most prominent regional themes throughout GC70. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi specifically highlighted the Agency’s support for African cancer treatment centres and healthcare capacity-building programmes through the Rays of Hope initiative. The programme has become one of the IAEA’s flagship efforts to improve access to cancer diagnosis, radiotherapy services, and specialist medical training across the continent.
The African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) played an active role throughout the conference by promoting the broader use of nuclear science and technology in addressing Africa’s development priorities. AFCONE advocated for increased investment in healthcare, agriculture, livestock production, water resource management, energy development, and nuclear safety and security infrastructure. The organization also participated in high-level engagements with several IAEA departments responsible for safeguards, security, safety, energy, and technical cooperation, with the objective of strengthening collaboration and identifying new opportunities for African Member States.
Conference discussions and African interventions highlighted several sectors that require additional investment and international support.
Flagship Initiatives: The “Rays of Hope” initiative (cancer care), “Atoms4Food,” and “Atoms4Water” are receiving significant backing. These programs are now the primary vehicles for IAEA engagement on the continent.
Prioritized Sectors:
Cancer Care (Highest Priority)
Cancer care was consistently identified as one of the most pressing development challenges across Africa. Many countries continue to experience shortages of radiotherapy equipment, nuclear medicine facilities, cancer specialists, and diagnostic imaging systems. The IAEA emphasized that expanding access to cancer diagnosis and treatment remains essential for improving public health outcomes and reducing inequalities in healthcare access across the continent.
- Food Security and Agriculture
Food security remains a strategic concern due to rapid population growth, climate variability, and changing environmental conditions. As a result, there is increasing demand for drought-resistant crops, improved soil fertility management techniques, advanced pest control technologies, and more sustainable agricultural production systems. Nuclear technologies were recognized as valuable tools for addressing these challenges and strengthening agricultural resilience.
- Water Security
Water scarcity continues to affect many African countries and represents a growing development and security challenge. Consequently, isotope hydrology, groundwater mapping, and integrated water resource management are receiving increased attention as governments seek sustainable approaches to managing limited water resources while adapting to climate change.
- Nuclear Security Capacity
Many African countries continue to require stronger regulatory frameworks, enhanced border monitoring systems, improved nuclear material accounting and control mechanisms, and additional training for nuclear regulators and security personnel. Strengthening these capabilities is essential for ensuring the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear materials and technologies across the continent.
New IAEA Board of Governors (2026-2028)
During the seventh plenary session of GC70 on 17 September 2026, eleven countries were elected to serve on the IAEA Board of Governors for the 2026-2028 term. The newly elected members were Angola, Brazil, Greece, Honduras, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Slovakia, and Sweden. Their election reflects the geographical diversity of the Agency and ensures continued regional representation within one of the IAEA’s principal policymaking bodies.
In his address to the conference, Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized that nuclear technology should continue to serve the objectives of peace and development. He highlighted the expansion of initiatives such as Rays of Hope, Atoms4Food, and Atoms4Water, reaffirmed support for newcomer countries pursuing nuclear energy programmes, stressed the importance of effective safeguards and non-proliferation measures, and called for greater international cooperation despite increasing geopolitical tensions. He also highlighted IAEA support for cancer treatment centres and specialist training programmes in Africa.
Both Nigeria and AFCONE advocated for greater African participation in nuclear technology programmes, increased technical assistance, enhanced cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, energy, and water management, and stronger regional nuclear safety and security frameworks. They reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology, continued support for the Pelindaba Treaty, expansion of cancer care through the Rays of Hope initiative, and greater application of nuclear technologies to support water management, agriculture, and sustainable development objectives.
Why Nigeria’s and Angola’s Election Matters
The election of Nigeria and Angola strengthens Africa’s representation and influence within the global nuclear governance framework. Their presence on the Board provides additional opportunities for the continent to contribute to discussions on nuclear governance, safety standards, technical cooperation programmes, development funding priorities, and the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology. Nigeria has been particularly vocal in promoting the use of nuclear technologies in healthcare, agriculture, food security, environmental sustainability, and energy development.
How Wem’Afrika Security Can Benefit
The outcomes of GC70 align closely with the mission of Wem’Afrika Security to promote resilience, security, and sustainable development across Africa. The conference highlighted several areas where the organization could contribute significant value while supporting regional and international nuclear development initiatives.
Nuclear Security Consulting
The increasing emphasis on nuclear safety and security creates opportunities for Wem’Afrika Security to provide specialized research and advisory services in critical infrastructure protection, nuclear facility risk assessments, security governance frameworks, and threat intelligence. As the IAEA continues to prioritize the protection of nuclear materials and facilities, organizations with expertise in security and risk management will play an increasingly important role in supporting both public and private sector stakeholders.
Capacity Building
Wem’Afrika Security can contribute to regional capacity-building efforts through security awareness programmes, emergency preparedness exercises, incident response planning, and cybersecurity initiatives for critical infrastructure. Such activities would complement IAEA and AFCONE efforts aimed at strengthening institutional readiness and enhancing security culture across the continent
African Development Programmes
The organization could collaborate with AFCONE, AFRA, national nuclear regulators, universities, and specialist training institutions to support governance frameworks, stakeholder engagement activities, project coordination, and programme implementation. These partnerships would position Wem’Afrika Security as a trusted African partner within the growing ecosystem of nuclear development and technical cooperation projects.
Monitoring Funding Opportunities
Wem’Afrika Security could also position itself as a delivery and implementation partner for projects linked to Rays of Hope, Atoms4Food, Atoms4Water, and nuclear security training initiatives. As these programmes continue to expand across Africa, there will be growing demand for organizations capable of providing project management, stakeholder coordination, governance support, and specialized security expertise.
Author
Dominic M. Raborokgwe is a nuclear security officer at Wem’afrika.
