The IAEA and the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA) signed practical arrangements to reflect the increased cooperation between the two organizations. The objective of these Practical Arrangements is to define a framework for cooperation between the IAEA and FNRBA in strengthening the nuclear safety and security in IAEA Member States, which are also member countries of the FNRBA. Mr. Denis Flory, IAEA Deputy Director General for Nuclear Safety, and Mr. Augustin Simo, FNRBA Chairperson, concluded the agreement on 17 September 2013 during the 57th IAEA General Conference.
Three African Ambassadors also attended the signing ceremony. They are: Mr. Jean Marc Mpay, Ambassador of Cameroon; Mr. Largaton Gilbert Ouottara, Ambassador of Côte d'Ivoire; and Mr. Meite Ladji, Ambassador, Directeur des Analyses Geopolitiques et Strategiques, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Côte d'Ivoire.
On the basis of these practical arrangements both organizations will support efforts to enhance and strengthen the radiation protection, nuclear safety and security, and regulatory infrastructure in IAEA Member States, which are also member countries of FNRBA, and to harmonize best practices among them. Both organizations will also support capacity building and promotion of knowledge management in these Member States, as a key to stimulating human resource development and knowledge transfer.
The FRNBA knowledge network under the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network is expected to function as a platform for facilitating regional cooperation focused on capacity building and infrastructure development, which the IAEA will help to maintain and sustain. While regulation remains a national responsibility, the FNRBA's knowledge network is expected to play a key role in sharing and maintaining the knowledge in radiation protection, nuclear safety and security, taking into consideration the changes in technology and the globalization of the nuclear industry.
Background
The Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA) was launched in March 2009 to enhance, strengthen and harmonize the radiation protection, nuclear safety and security regulatory infrastructure and framework among the FNRBA's members. FNRBA's objective is to become a fully effective and efficient internationally recognized organization for the exchange of regulatory experiences and practices among the nuclear regulatory bodies in Africa.
Presently the FNRBA knowledge network consists of 10 thematic working groups consisting of experts working together on issues of common interest, sharing knowledge, and developing solutions to address common problems and working towards filling common gaps. The FRNBA is also expected to serve as a forum for dialogue where ideas are generated and exchanged amongmembers who share common interest with the intention to develop innovative approaches.