South Korea’s Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed a memorandum of understanding with Nigeria’s Atomic Energy Commission to develop nuclear cooperation across multiple sectors, positioning the company for potential reactor exports to Africa’s emerging energy markets.
The agreement, formalized at the 2025 African Nuclear Industry Business Forum in Rabat, Morocco on April 23, covers nuclear workforce training, power plant development, and resource procurement. KHNP President Hwang Joo-ho used the event to showcase the company’s APR-1400 reactor and innovative small modular reactor technologies to representatives from 17 African nations.
“This MOU should serve as a stepping stone for new nuclear exports to Africa,” a KHNP official said. The company views the continent as a promising growth frontier as nations like Egypt, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia consider nuclear options to solve chronic electricity shortages.
Currently, South Africa remains the only African country with an operational nuclear power plant. KHNP’s APR-1400 reactor has gained international recognition for safety features and efficiency, while its i-SMR design offers lower initial investment requirements – potentially attractive features for developing economies.
The agreement follows Korea’s nuclear industry resurgence under President Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration, which reversed the previous government’s phase-out policy. South Korea now produces about 25 gigawatts of nuclear energy, accounting for 28 percent of its electricity.
