Vienna, Austria, 9th April, 2026 — The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s ambitions to explore nuclear energy, following high-level talks with President Julius Maada Bio in Vienna.
Grossi emphasized that nuclear energy is increasingly on Africa’s agenda as countries seek reliable power solutions. He noted that while South Africa remains the only nation on the continent operating a commercial nuclear power plant, several others are now evaluating nuclear options to meet rising demand.
The IAEA, he explained, has strengthened partnerships with major international financial institutions that are prepared to invest in nuclear energy initiatives. “I am aware of the hard work you are doing in your country to promote stability and expand energy access for your people,” Grossi said, pledging technical and institutional support.
President Bio welcomed the commitment, stressing Sierra Leone’s persistent energy challenges and the importance of diversifying power sources. He highlighted the potential of nuclear energy to complement ongoing reforms in the energy sector and underscored his role as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, where regional discussions on nuclear energy are gaining traction.
Hon. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, pointed to ongoing IAEA-supported projects in Sierra Leone, including work in health and food security, and called for their expansion as the country explores nuclear energy opportunities.
With Sierra Leone facing a long-standing electricity deficit, nuclear energy is being positioned as a critical pathway toward sustainable, reliable, and affordable power. Advancing partnerships with the IAEA and international financiers could prove pivotal in securing long-term energy security and driving economic growth.
