Burkina Faso formally embarked on the last stage of its nuclear energy partnership with the Russian Federation following the signing of the final administrative document of an intergovernmental cooperation agreement. The agreement, overseen by Russia’s state-owned atomic energy firm Rosatom, is a major milestone toward using nuclear power in addressing Burkina Faso’s civilian energy demands.
The deal was finalized on June 19 in an interview with the Russian news agency Sputnik by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Energy, Yacouba Zabré Gouba.
“The signing ushers in new opportunities for Burkina Faso and concludes several steps that needed to be taken,” Gouba said, adding that the project started with a roadmap and four memoranda of understanding signed earlier in 2024.
Putting an End to the Energy Deficit of Burkina Faso
The deal marks a significant shift in Burkina Faso’s national energy policy. With fewer than 20% of its population on the electricity grid, the nation boasts one of the world’s lowest electrification levels. Nuclear power, as such, is a solution to enhanced energy security, economic growth, and decreased dependence on fossil fuel imports in the long run.
Rosatom’s collaboration will entail building nuclear power stations, scientific research reactors, and technical support along the entire nuclear fuel cycle—fuel supply, waste disposal, and rigorous safety measures.
Strengthening Russia–Africa Nuclear Cooperation
The move follows closely after Russia licensed wider nuclear cooperation agreements with Burkina Faso and Mali on June 12, 2025. The two countries have witnessed increasing strategic relations with Moscow, diverging from the traditional Western allies, amidst changing geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel.
This is a very significant step forward because these two nations have come together and shown their desire to cooperate… so that the electronuclear programme becomes a reality,” Gouba added.
Russia’s nuclear diplomacy in francophone West Africa fits into its wider aspirations to spread soft power while providing trustworthy solutions to the energy deficit of the region.
What Comes Next? Waiting for Rosatom’s Offer
Burkina Faso is then waiting for a technical and financial offer from Rosatom that will define the next stage of the project.
“We are waiting for the offer of Rosatom, and later this will enable us to know if we go ahead with the electronuclear program or not,” said Gouba.
Although officials have not yet revealed specific project sites or timelines, the deal marks an important shift in Burkina Faso’s energy sector. If adopted, it might revolutionize the country’s electricity grid, particularly in urban areas and industrial development parks.