Ghana’s ambition to develop nuclear power is expected to draw significant investor and policy attention when energy leaders gather for Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4cEX08g) 2026, one of the continent’s largest power sector forums scheduled for May 19–21 in Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The conference programme, released ahead of the event, places Ghana at the centre of a major discussion on Africa’s nuclear future, as the country advances to the next phase of its long-term nuclear power programme aimed at strengthening electricity supply and supporting industrial growth.
The three-day event is expected to attract more than 7,200 participants and over 250 exhibitors, bringing together policymakers, utilities, investors and technology providers to discuss emerging opportunities in Africa’s rapidly evolving energy sector.
Ghana’s Nuclear Programme Gains Momentum
A newly introduced session titled “African Nuclear 2.0” will highlight Ghana’s progress toward building its first nuclear power plant. The country has now reached Phase 3 of its nuclear programme, where it is evaluating technology proposals from the United States, China and Russia as part of the vendor selection process.
The development marks a critical step in Ghana’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and secure reliable baseload power to support economic expansion.
Officials say nuclear power could help address future electricity demand driven by industrialisation, digital infrastructure, and growing urbanisation. It also complements Ghana’s broader transition toward cleaner and more resilient energy systems.
The session will also examine the potential deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) across African power grids, a technology increasingly viewed as suitable for emerging economies with smaller electricity systems.
Regional Nuclear Ambitions
Ghana’s nuclear plans are also being discussed within a broader regional framework.
The West African Power Pool has set a long-term target of 10 gigawatts of nuclear capacity across West Africa as countries explore new sources of stable electricity generation.
Regional cooperation on nuclear energy is expected to help reduce electricity shortages, strengthen cross-border power trade and improve energy security across the sub-region.
Lessons from South Africa’s Koeberg Plant
The nuclear session will also analyse the experience of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, whose two reactors have recently received a 20-year operating licence extension, allowing them to run until 2044 and 2045.
Energy analysts say the Koeberg extension offers valuable lessons for countries like Ghana seeking to develop and sustain nuclear infrastructure over the long term.
Investment Opportunities Across Africa’s Power Sector
Beyond nuclear energy, the conference will explore investment opportunities across the wider power sector, including transmission infrastructure, gas-to-power projects, hydrogen development and artificial intelligence applications in grid management.
A new session on Independent Transmission Projects will examine how private sector investment could help address Africa’s chronic electricity transmission bottlenecks, drawing lessons from global case studies such as India’s PowerGrid.
Meanwhile, a series of generation masterclasses will examine the role of gas, hydropower, nuclear energy, clean coal and hydrogen in supporting Africa’s energy transition.
Platform for Deals and Strategic Partnerships
The conference will also host the Project & Investment Network, a matchmaking platform that connects project developers with financiers, utilities and development finance institutions.
Organisers say the platform has already facilitated more than $3 billion in project pitches over the past two years, underscoring the scale of investment opportunities in Africa’s power sector.
The opening address at the investment breakfast will be delivered by Bruce Whitfield, setting the tone for discussions on energy financing and infrastructure development.
Strategic Importance for Ghana
For Ghana, participation in the forum comes at a crucial time as the country pushes to strengthen electricity generation, expand gas-to-power capacity and advance nuclear development as part of a long-term energy security strategy.
Energy analysts say Ghana’s progress toward nuclear power, combined with ongoing investments in thermal and renewable energy, could position the country as one of West Africa’s most diversified electricity markets over the next decade.
With investors, utilities and policymakers expected to converge in Cape Town, the conference is likely to provide Ghana with a key platform to showcase its energy ambitions and attract strategic partnerships for the next phase of its power sector transformation.
