The African Commission on Nuclear Energy (Afcone) on 15th July celebrated the 14th anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty of Pelindaba, an agreement that establishes Africa as a zone free of Nuclear Weapons

The commemoration event, took place in Nairobi, Kenya, with attendance from Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority(KNRA), Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), The Ministry of Energy and dignitaries from Kenya and Africa.The objective of the event was to reflect, on the achievements and challenges in implementing the Treaty’s objectives, and the prospects for African development through the agency of nuclear energy. The event called on Africa’s sustainability and independence in having more access to the benefits of nuclear energy to address urgent continental priorities such as energy poverty, food security, human health, and environmental protection.

The Director General James Keter Chumba, who delivered the opening remarks, reiterated how
Kenya was privileged to host the event. As it will provide a strong foundation in work together to create a safety-oriented mindset
“The benefits of nuclear technology have increased tremendously over the years, especially in meeting
energy needs, tackling the problem of poverty, food insecurity and environmental threats”.Mr Keter added.

The Keynote speech was delivered by Energy CS representative, Wycliffe Ogallo who called for more forums to allow for the exchange of ideas on how to ensure nuclear weapons and technology are not used in Africa.
Other speakers at the event included AFCONE Executive Secretary H.E Mr. Enobot Agboraw, AFCONE’s commissioner from DR Congo H.E Commissioner Gracien Bakambo Ekoko and Acting NuPEA CEO Justus Wabuyabo.

The Treaty of Pelindaba has its origins in July 1964 in Cairo (Egypt), at the first ordinary session of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, during which a resolution known as the Cairo declaration was adopted, to ban, through an international agreement, all manifestations of nuclear weapons in Africa.The Treaty entered into force on 15 July 2009, including the establishment of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) as an autonomous Pan-African organization
to oversee the implementation of the Treaty.