Grossi to AL24News: IAEA Has Chosen Algeria as Africa’s Civil Nuclear Hub
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, hailed Algeria as a “friendly country” and a “major partner” on the African continent, highlighting the long-standing cooperation between the IAEA and Algeria. He also recognized the significant progress achieved by Algeria in developing its expertise in civilian nuclear technology.
In an exclusive interview with AL24News, Grossi affirmed that Algeria now possesses the necessary capacities to support other African nations in the nuclear energy field. He stressed that nuclear technology—whose applications extend to key sectors such as agriculture and healthcare—plays an increasingly vital role in addressing global growth challenges.
Grossi paid an official visit to Algeria this week.
“This visit had been in preparation for a long time, and we were finally able to make it happen,” he said, adding that the trip featured “an intense program,” “very constructive meetings,” and “a fruitful and positive day.”
“Algeria has cooperated with the IAEA for many years—since the 1960s,” he explained. “It’s a country with research reactors and nuclear medicine, among other fields linked to nuclear activities.”
This long-standing collaboration, he added, “has evolved over the years, making Algeria a key partner of the Agency in this part of the world.” He also referred to “new avenues being explored to strengthen activities in the field of civil nuclear energy.”
Grossi emphasized that Algeria is among the countries exploring civilian nuclear energy to bolster medical services and economic growth.
“Your country, Algeria, has a strong tradition in this field, with COMENA (National Atomic Energy Commission), other institutions, research reactors, and nuclear technologists,” he noted.
He observed that “there is a clear global trend toward returning to or gaining access to nuclear energy, even among countries that have not yet developed this sector,” pointing out that “there are several nuclear-related alternatives in the 21st century that had not been previously explored.”
He highlighted the “fascinating chapters” to be developed through civilian nuclear energy, particularly in the health sector.
Algeria, he said, trains professionals from several African countries each year.
“In Algeria, you have well-developed capacities. The IAEA has chosen Algeria as a hub for civil nuclear cooperation in Africa,” he stated.
Grossi also revealed that “Algeria holds a place of honor in the regional dynamic supported by the IAEA in Africa.”
“Algeria is among the leading group of countries,” he added. “It’s worth noting that the commercial use of civilian nuclear energy dates back to the mid-1950s—the first commercial nuclear reactor appeared around 1955. Just a few years later, Algeria began exploring the field, creating a strong scientific and technological foundation. For us, Algeria is a friendly and close partner—a country we have worked with for a long time,” he concluded.
