Rwandan President Paul Kagame said nuclear power will play a key role in Rwanda's long-term development strategy, calling for stronger global cooperation on financing and technology.

Speaking in Paris at the second Nuclear Energy Summit, Kagame said the country plans to make nuclear energy central to its Vision 2050, which aims to transform Rwanda into a high-income economy by 2050.

The summit's opening session was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi, and other global leaders.

"Nuclear energy will diversify our energy mix while providing the stability required for industrial growth and long-term transformation," Kagame said.

He added that Rwanda has already trained hundreds of specialists in nuclear science and engineering through partnerships with international institutions.

Kagame also highlighted the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs), noting that the SMRs are suited to Africa's requirements.

He expressed confidence that Africa could become a major future market for SMRs in the coming years.

The second Nuclear Energy Summit brought together representatives from more than 60 countries, including heads of state, government officials, and leaders of international organisations, to discuss the future of civil nuclear energy and its role in global development.