Thirteen young individuals from various African nations have been acknowledged for their innovative approach to nuclear technologies, showcasing a profound grasp of the industry’s history, present landscape, and future potential. Organized by Rosatom, the 2025 Atoms Empowering Africa video competition attracted over 50 submissions from across the continent.
In its eighth year running, this initiative serves as a platform to inspire and empower young Africans to delve into nuclear science and technology as catalysts for Africa’s sustainable development journey. The competition this year called for participants to create short videos reflecting on three distinct themes: honoring the past achievements, drawing inspiration from current advancements, and envisioning futuristic possibilities.
“The depth of their ideas and exceptional quality of their work truly impressed us,”
stated Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa.
“These voices are not merely narrating captivating stories; they are actively contributing to shaping a future vision steeped in sustainability, innovation, and scientific progress.”
A diverse panel of international experts hailing from South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Namibia, Burkina Faso, and Burundi meticulously evaluated each entry based on originality, artistic creativity relevance to core themes ,and overall production quality. The winners were selected based on these criteria among other considerations.
Representing six countries including South Africa (Makibi Angel), Ntuli Philasande), Chaba Koketso), Egypt (Ibrahim Mohamed Mohsen), Farah Ashraf), Omar Ashraf), Samia Ossama), Ibrahim Mansor), Kenya (Kiilu Immanuel Mwendwa) Tubula Ole Ntome Titus), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Muhanzi Guy N’nahano), Burundi (Abdoul Jansha) Namibia (Kezia Henkert).
As part of their recognition as winners in this prestigious competition these bright minds will embark on an enriching trip to Russia where they will have opportunities visit iconic nuclear industry sites such as the Atom Pavilion at VDNKh in Moscow. This experience aims to deepen their knowledge about peaceful nuclear technologies while fostering cultural exchanges educational connections.
Sengiphile Simelane Group Executive: Power Energy at South African Nuclear Energy Corporation NECSA highlighted that initiatives like Atoms Empowering Africa play a crucial role in nurturing talent generating awareness about the potential applications nuclear science addressing real-life challenges These platforms bring together youthful thinkers creating space for international dialogues promoting collaboration advancing scientific innovation within the sector.
The enthusiastic engagement demonstrated by these young Africans underscores a growing interest enthusiasm towards exploring harnessing nuclear energy across the continent paving way for inclusive sustainable development pathways rooted innovation knowledge exchange collaborative efforts towards building resilient energy landscapes that meet growing demands while mitigating environmental impacts.
