Zambia has passed a key stage in its pursuit of nuclear energy after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) completed a positive review of the country's nuclear infrastructure, the government said on 11 November 2026. The milestone moves Zambia a step closer to building its first nuclear power plant, although no plant has yet been built and no construction date has been announced. A team of international experts spent 10 days carrying out an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission, assessing Zambia's progress in developing the infrastructure needed for a nuclear power programme. The mission delivered a positive assessment, accompanied by a limited number of recommendations to guide the country's next steps. The findings were formally received by the Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati. ## Why Zambia wants nuclear power Zambia's nuclear programme began in 2015 and has moved from a policy commitment to practical infrastructure development. The government wants nuclear energy as a reliable long-term source of baseload power to diversify electricity generation and reduce dependence on hydropower, which leaves the country vulnerable to drought and fluctuating water levels. Installed generation capacity has risen to 4,722 megawatts, up from 3,777 megawatts in 2024, with solar power accounting for about 1,000 megawatts. Energy Minister Peter Kapala has said the government aims to reach 10,000 megawatts of generation capacity within four years. ## What happens next IAEA team leader John Haddad said stronger institutional coordination and oversight would be critical as Zambia advances its nuclear ambitions, and the mission's recommendations will help guide the next phase of infrastructure development. Minister Mutati described nuclear power as a strategic part of Zambia's long-term energy mix and an important pillar of the government's Grow Zambia Agenda. Zambia now joins a select group of African countries to have progressed through this critical phase of the IAEA's nuclear infrastructure development process. Sources: [Zambia Ministry of Technology and Science via APO Group](https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/zambia-achieves-historic-milestone-towards-its-first-nuclear-power-plant) and [Voice of Nigeria](https://von.gov.ng/agency-calls-for-stronger-nuclear-power-oversight-in-zambia/).