Kigali. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has arrived at Kigali International Airport to attend the second Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit in Africa (NEISA 2026).
The summit brings together global and African heads of state, energy sector experts, investors, and various stakeholders to deliberate on the pivotal role of nuclear energy in enhancing energy security, industrialisation, and sustainable development across the continent.
For Tanzania, NEISA 2026 presents a strategic opportunity to engage in continental dialogue regarding the safe deployment of nuclear technology.
Beyond power generation, the discussions aim to leverage nuclear innovations to advance key socio-economic sectors including healthcare, agriculture, industrial production, and scientific research.
Tanzania, Rwanda set to deepen bilateral energy ties
In a significant move to strengthen regional cooperation alongside the summit, the Tanzanian minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, held extensive bilateral talks with the Rwandan minister for Infrastructure, Dr Jimmy Gasore, on May 18, 2026.
The ministerial meeting focussed on expanding partnership frameworks between the two East African neighbours across the electricity, petroleum, and natural gas sectors.
During the discussions, the two ministers reviewed the progress of key regional infrastructure initiatives.
Notable projects include the 80-megawatt Rusumo hydroelectric project and the upcoming 39-megawatt Nsongezo project along the Kagera River.
To formalise and accelerate these joint ventures, the ministers announced the scheduled signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 19, 2026.
This agreement will establish legal and operational frameworks for cross-border power transmission, trade, and shared hydrocarbon management.
The Tanzanian delegation accompanying Mr Ndejembi includes the minister for Finance, Ambassador Khamis Omar; the Zanzibari Deputy Minister for Water, Energy and Minerals, Seif Pandu; and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Energy responsible for Electricity and Renewable Energy, Mr Felchesmi Mramba.
Senior technical experts from the Ministries of Energy, Finance, and Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation are also supporting the mission.
Pre-Summit preparations conclude at Tanzanian Embassy
Prior to the arrival of President Samia, Mr Ndejembi led the Tanzanian delegation in a strategic preparatory meeting held at the Tanzanian Embassy in Kigali on May 18, 2026.
The preparatory session ensured a coordinated national stance ahead of the main summit proceedings, which are scheduled to run from May 18 to 21, 2026.
The preparatory briefing was attended by Amb Khamis Omar, Seif Pandu, and Mr Mramba, alongside technocrats from relevant ministries and senior researchers from the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC). The delegation aims to position Tanzania as a key player in continental discussions regarding safe nuclear investment, innovation, and socioeconomic development.
