MOSCOW, RUSSIA: Rosatom, in partnership with the BRICS Nuclear Platform, has announced the winners of the 2026 Atoms Empowering Africa video contest.
Among them is a young specialist from Tanzania, where the Mkuju River uranium project reached a major milestone in 2025 with the commissioning of a pilot uranium processing plant.
The competition brought together participants aged 18 to 35 from across the continent, inviting them to share ideas on how nuclear technologies and international cooperation can help address key development challenges.
Entries were submitted across five thematic tracks: energy, healthcare, education, regional development and the future of nuclear cooperation within BRICS. In total, 12 winners from 9 African countries were selected.
“The ideas submitted this year demonstrate a strong and growing interest among young Africans in science, technology and sustainable development. It is encouraging to see attention not only to nuclear energy, but also to its broader applications in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and education,” noted Elsie Pule, Head Coordinator of the BRICS Nuclear Platform.
Tanzania is among the countries where major resource projects are advancing from planning to implementation. Rosatom is developing the Mkuju River uranium project in the south-east of the country through Mantra Tanzania Ltd., a subsidiary of Uranium One Group, which is part of Rosatom Group.
The project is based on the Nyota deposit, whose resource base is estimated at 58,500 tonnes of uranium, making it one of the largest uranium deposits in the world.
A major milestone was reached on 30 July 2025, when President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated a pilot uranium processing plant at the Mkuju River site. The facility is being used for pilot mining and processing of uranium ore, as well as for testing and fine-tuning technological solutions ahead of the launch of the main industrial complex. It is also being utilized as a platform for training of the personnel of engineering specialties. The work on creating key infrastructure for the main plant is in an active phase. Preparatory activities are underway for the construction of roads, the workers’ camp, and the installation of utility networks.
At the industrial stage, the project is expected to produce up to 3,000 tonnes of uranium annually. Construction of the main mining and processing complex is scheduled to begin in 2026, with commissioning planned for 2029. The total investment in the project is expected to reach up to USD 1 billion.
Mkuju River is regarded as one of Tanzania’s priority mining projects and a key driver of long-term socio-economic and technological development in the south-eastern part of the country. No other project of comparable scale is currently being implemented in the region. The development is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s position in the global uranium industry, help position the country among the world’s leading uranium-producing countries and create a platform for broader participation in the global nuclear energy market.
The project is being implemented in compliance with Tanzanian national legislation and all required permits issued by relevant ministries and authorities, including the Ministry of Minerals, the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission and TANAPA.
A full environmental and social impact assessment procedure has been completed, and the project has received an EIA certificate from the National Environment Management Council of Tanzania. Progressive land rehabilitation and soil restoration measures are planned throughout the project lifecycle, with environmental protection activities included in the project budget.
To date, more than 20 environmental initiatives have been implemented as part of the project to help preserve the natural resources of Tanzania’s largest national park and surrounding ecosystems. Alongside environmental measures, the project features a broad social development component, including support for local employment, road construction, initiatives to strengthen local suppliers, and programmes to improve the technical equipment of schools and healthcare facilities.
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By 2030, the project is expected to create a significant number of jobs in mining and related sectors, while also contributing to skills development and professional training for local communities. These efforts can ensure that the project delivers both industrial and long-term regional development benefits.
Winners of the Atoms Empowering Africa contest will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Russia to participate in the Obninsk NEW 2026 international youth forum and the Obninsk Tech Summer Nuclear University– both events are focused on the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies.
“This competition means a valuable opportunity for me to explore nuclear science, gain new experiences, and interact with students from different countries. I decided to participate because of my interest in science and innovation, and I am excited to explore both the educational and cultural environment in Russia,” said Japhet Matekere, the winner from Tanzania.
The Atoms Empowering Africa contest has been held since 2017. Its goal is to engage young professionals from across the African continent in dialogue on the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies. In previous years, winners travelled to Russia as part of educational and cultural programmes, including visits to leading nuclear industry sites and academic institutions.
Rosatom is the Russian state nuclear corporation and one of the global leaders in nuclear technologies. The corporation connects enterprises operating across the nuclear industry, including energy generation, engineering, mining, nuclear medicine and education initiatives.
The BRICS Nuclear Platform aims to strengthen cooperation among companies and organisations with the view of promoting nuclear energy as an environmentally friendly source of energy. In 2026, expert events will be held under the Platform’s auspices at major international venues.
Obninsk NEW is an international youth forum focused on the future of nuclear technologies and their role in sustainable development. It brings together students, young professionals and experts to discuss innovation, education and international cooperation in the nuclear field. Obninsk Tech Summer Nuclear University is an intensive educational programme for international students, which takes place annually.