Burkina Faso's Nuclear Power Shift

Burkina Faso is taking a bold step in the Sahel region by turning to nuclear energy to tackle its long-standing electricity shortages and reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports. In collaboration with Russia’s state nuclear agency, Rosatom, the country has begun laying the groundwork for its first nuclear power project, marking a strategic shift in both energy policy and international alliances. This move comes as part of a broader regional alignment with neighboring Mali and Niger through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), signaling a collective effort to strengthen energy security and sovereignty. While nuclear energy offers the promise of stable, large-scale electricity generation crucial for economic development, the path ahead is fraught with challenges—ranging from technical capacity and infrastructure readiness to security risks in a region plagued by instability. Moreover, the growing influence of Russia in the Sahel reflects deeper geopolitical shifts, as traditional Western powers retreat and new partnerships emerge to fill the void.