Russian Ambassador Roman Ambarov Addresses African Energy Week in Cape Town
🎙On 15 October, Russian Ambassador to South Africa and Lesotho Roman Ambarov delivered a speech at the Russian-African session of African Energy Week 2026, taking place in Cape Town from 12 to 16 October.
🔹 Energy security and industrial development
The Ambassador emphasised that reliable and affordable energy is the foundation of industrial development, economic sovereignty and job creation across Africa.
“Energy cooperation must be practical, long-term and mutually beneficial. It should not end with the sale of equipment or the delivery of fuel. It should include technologies, engineering expertise, localisation, education and the training of national specialists.”
🔹 Nuclear energy: a strategic area for cooperation
Ambassador Ambarov highlighted the role of nuclear power in providing reliable baseload electricity with very low carbon emissions. Against the backdrop of South Africa’s plans to develop 5,200 MW of new nuclear capacity by 2039, he reaffirmed Russia’s readiness for professional dialogue and cooperation in this field.
A nuclear project is not simply a power station. It is a long-term industrial and educational partnership that can support universities, engineering companies, construction firms, manufacturers and research institutions for decades.”
As a major example of Russian–African nuclear cooperation, the Ambassador pointed to the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt, where Rosatom is constructing four nuclear units with a combined capacity of 4,800 MW. The project encompasses not only construction, but also nuclear fuel supply, operational support and the training of Egyptian specialists.
🔹 Practical solutions for South Africa’s energy needs
Other areas identified for potential cooperation include:
▪️ LNG and petroleum supplies;
▪️ modernisation and improved efficiency of coal-fired power stations;
▪️ expansion and modernisation of electricity transmission networks;
▪️ offshore oil and gas exploration;
▪️ advanced power engineering technologies and equipment.
The Ambassador also stressed the importance of technology transfer, localisation and cooperation with South African companies to ensure that energy partnerships deliver lasting benefits for the local economy.
“The task is not to choose one technology for ideological reasons. The task is to build a system that works.”
🤝 Russia stands ready to work with South Africa and other African countries on energy solutions that reflect their national priorities, strengthen energy security and support sustainable industrial development.
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