DAR ES SALAAM: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will host the Russia-Africa Women’s Forum on 22 October 2026, focusing on “Dialogue of Continents: Nuclear Energy for the Future” at Crowne Plaza Dar es Salaam by IHG.
Organised by WiN Tanzania and the Association of Women in Nuclear Russia, with backing from the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission, WiN Africa, and Rosatom State Corporation, the event aims to engage participants in discussions about the roles of women in nuclear energy, nuclear medicine, and mining. It will also address workforce development and inspire students in STEM fields.
Experts from Tanzania, Russia, and various African nations will participate, representing government, industry, academia, and professional communities across North, East, Central, and Southern Africa.
Professor Najat Mohamed, President of WiN Tanzania, emphasised the importance of international cooperation among women professionals in nuclear energy. She noted that events like the Forum can showcase successful career paths in the nuclear sector to students and inspire interest in STEM careers.
Rosatom encourages collaboration among youth through initiatives like Atoms Empowering Africa and Global HackAtom, allowing students to connect with peers and learn how scientific knowledge is applied in real-world scenarios.
The nuclear industry has seen notable achievements, including Marina Starovoitova’s appointment as the world’s first female captain of a nuclear-powered icebreaker in August 2025, highlighting the potential for women’s leadership in high-tech fields.
Alexandra Ryabykh, Head of the Association of Women in Nuclear Russia, pointed out that the Forum will facilitate international collaboration, fostering joint initiatives among women from both Russia and Africa.
The event takes place amid growing cooperation between Rosatom and Tanzania in nuclear projects. Mantra Tanzania Ltd., a Rosatom subsidiary, is advancing the Mkuju River project, which is one of Africa’s largest uranium projects, expected to produce up to 3,000 tonnes of uranium annually by 2029.
In June 2026, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed interest in partnering with Russia to develop small modular reactors and floating nuclear units, with potential plans for a large-scale nuclear power plant in the 2030s contingent on Tanzania’s progress in the nuclear sector.
