Establishing a sustainable nuclear safety culture in Rwanda

Abstract

This work develops an integrated strategic framework for building and maintaining a nuclear safety culture in Rwanda, a country entering the nuclear energy sector under Vision 2050. Using qualitative analytical methods, including a review of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards, a comparative analysis of case studies from other countries also entering the sector (United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Kenya), and a gap analysis of international requirements, this work assesses Rwanda's current institutional infrastructure and proposes a phased 30-year roadmap (2020-2050). This framework uses the Center of Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) as a living laboratory to develop principles for a safety culture in preparation for the future deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), and addresses four levels: government engagement, facility implementation, professional training and development, and public participation. The results reveal critical gaps that require comprehensive nuclear legislation, greater regulatory independence, specialist training programs for staff, and strategic management of cultural factors