IAEA MISSION GUIDANCE TO SHAPE ZAMBIA'S NUCLEAR ENERGY PLANS

By Alain Kabinda

Government has called for stronger institutional coordination and investment in human capital to accelerate the development of Zambia's nuclear power programme as the country seeks to strengthen its long-term energy security.

Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati said the successful implementation of the nuclear energy programme would require sustained investment in technology, natural resources and skilled human resources.

Speaking during the closing of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Mission Phase One in Lusaka, Mr Mutati emphasised the need for closer collaboration between the Ministries of Technology and Science and Energy.

He said coordinated efforts among Government institutions and other stakeholders were critical to establishing the necessary foundation for Zambia's nuclear energy ambitions.

Mr Mutati said nuclear power development was an important consideration in addressing the country's long-term energy requirements and supporting the Government's Grow Zambia Agenda.

Meanwhile, IAEA INIR Mission Team Leader John Haddad urged Zambia to strengthen its institutional coordination mechanisms, legal frameworks and regulatory systems to support the development of nuclear infrastructure.

Mr Haddad said effective coordination and strong regulatory institutions were essential to ensuring that the country's nuclear power programme progressed in accordance with international standards and safety requirements.

And Energy Minister Peter Kapala said the recommendations from the IAEA mission would help guide Zambia's next steps in developing its nuclear infrastructure.

In remarks delivered on his behalf by Director of Energy Mafayo Ziba, Mr Kapala said the mission's recommendations would assist Government in identifying priority areas and strengthening the institutional arrangements required to advance the programme.

Meanwhile, Radiation Protection Authority Board Chairperson Msafiri Sinkala said the board was committed to safeguarding the independence of the country's nuclear regulator to ensure effective oversight and accountability.

Mr Sinkala said the board would engage Government to ensure that adequate resources were provided to build a competent and independent nuclear regulatory institution.

He said an independent regulator with sufficient financial, technical and human resources was essential to ensuring effective oversight of nuclear-related activities.

The IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review is designed to assist countries considering nuclear power in assessing the status of their infrastructure development and identifying areas requiring further attention.

The completion of Phase One provides an opportunity for Zambia to consider the recommendations and strengthen the institutional, legal and regulatory foundations necessary for the safe and sustainable development of its nuclear power programme.