African Member States have identified and prioritized opportunities for regional cooperation in the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology at a meeting hosted by the Government of Mauritius. The meeting, which took place in the capital of Port Louis from 19 to 23 March, was held to finalize the third Regional Strategic Cooperative Framework (RCF) under the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA). Priority areas highlighted in the new RCF include human health, food and agriculture, and radiation safety.
A task force composed of representatives from AFRA’s management committees, together with 27 African and four Asian specialists with expertise in the application of nuclear science and technologies and IAEA staff, met to develop the new RCF, which will extend from 2019 to 2023. The framework will support sustainable promotion of the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in African Member States, based on the most pressing developmental challenges, needs and priorities in the African socioeconomic context. The RCF will also facilitate partnership building with relevant bilateral and multilateral bodies, agencies and organizations.
The task force also established mechanisms for South-South collaboration and triangular cooperation to enhance African Member States’ capacity to benefit from nuclear science and technology in other areas, including energy development, industrial applications and water resources.
