Formalized in April 2025, during the Africa Nuclear Business Platform (NBP) 2025 in Rabat, Morocco (which was attended by 17 energy officials from African nations), South Korea and Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy development. This marks a significant step in Africa’s growing engagement with advanced nuclear technologies.
South Korea and Nigeria sign landmark MoU
The agreement between Nigeria and South Korea is a significant move in Africa’s growing interest in nuclear energy and South Korea’s international energy diplomacy. Countries in the presence of the signing of this MoU include Morocco, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) President and CEO Whang Hoo-ho and acting head of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Anthony Ekedegwa, both signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions. Both institutions have pledged to collaborate in terms of research initiatives, manpower training, and, importantly, nuclear technology development. The MOU aims to make use of South Korea’s expertise in nuclear energy production to strengthen the long-term energy infrastructure in Nigeria.
“a platform for future nuclear power plant projects in Africa” – KHNP spokesperson
The agreement is one that underscores the partnership between South Korea as part of a larger effort to expand clean and reliable nuclear power production in Nigeria and across the African continent.
Korea’s technological edge highlighted by Africa NBP
Before the signing of the MoU, policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from across Africa gathered at the Africa NBT 2025 to discuss the role of nuclear energy and its role in achieving sustainable and long-term energy security. KHNP introduced its advanced nuclear reactor models. This included the showcasing of the APR-1400 and the small modular reactor, i-SMR. The display of these models attracted strong interest, specifically for:
- Proven safety
- Cost efficiency
- Scalability
The models are a success, with the APR-1400 already deployed in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the i-SMR being particularly suitable for Nigeria due to its flexibility and smaller-scale development.
Many African countries are showing interest in nuclear energy, and KHNP is ready to help them achieve safe and stable power generation.” – KHNP President and CEO, Whang Joo-ho
KHNP President Whang Joon-ho has emphasized that the success in Korea is a demonstration of how industrial growth and economic transformation are possible with the use of the market’s nuclear technology. The forum in Rabat, featuring over 200 participants (including agency heads, energy ministers, and nuclear experts), was a key platform for countries from around the world to make efforts toward future nuclear projects.
The forum brought opportunities for countries to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and explore international funding and regulatory frameworks. Other Asian nations (such as China and India) are following in South Korea’s footsteps as they move to prioritize the development and expansion of nuclear energy generation.
Africa’s path to energy security and sustainable growth
Nigeria’s collaboration with KHNP is a major step for the country, marking its efforts toward the diversification of its energy mix and the reduction of the country’s reliance on fossil fuel energy. The partnership between the KHNP and NAEC will result in the expansion of research, policy planning, and technical training in this industry. Both the KHNP and NAEC will be responsible and expected to create additional frameworks that support financing and investment for the nuclear infrastructure projects involved.
This agreement highlights many things, specifically the need for developments in education, training, and regulatory cooperation within the nuclear energy sector, representing a shared commitment to the global goals of expanding low-carbon, clean, and sustainable energy sources. Other sustainable sources of energy are also being highlighted on the global stage, such as green hydrogen energy exports from Malaysia to Singapore.
The South Korea-Nigeria MoU has demonstrated the deepening connection between Africa and Asia, especially with the agreement potentially resulting in the successful implementation of future nuclear projects. The 2025 Rabat forum is a turning point in Africa’s energy advancement, as South Korea and Nigeria lead by building the foundation for a more sustainable and clean future for energy production.