Burkina Faso Advances Nuclear Power Plans With IAEA Legal Framework Workshop

Ambassador Maimounata Ouattara, Burkina Faso’s Permanent Representative to the IAEA and Austria, highlighted the importance of strong legal frameworks in any country considering nuclear power.

Burkina Faso has taken a significant step toward developing a peaceful nuclear power programme, following a national workshop focused on building the legal and institutional foundations required for the safe, secure and responsible use of nuclear energy. The event, held in Ouagadougou in October 2025, brought together key national institutions and international experts to strengthen the country’s understanding of the legal requirements that underpin every stage of a nuclear power programme.

Organized under the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme and the Technical Cooperation Interregional Project for Legislative Assistance, the workshop was delivered in close collaboration with Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation. It took place at a time when the country is actively evaluating nuclear energy as a long-term option to meet its growing electricity needs, diversify its energy mix, and strengthen national energy security.

Building a Robust Legal Foundation for Nuclear Energy

Ambassador Maimounata Ouattara, Burkina Faso’s Permanent Representative to the IAEA and Austria, highlighted the importance of strong legal frameworks in any country considering nuclear power.

“Nuclear law is a very specific area of law that requires capacity building and empowerment of national actors,” she said. “For Burkina Faso to take ownership of the global legal arsenal surrounding nuclear energy, our institutions must understand the entire legal infrastructure involved.”

The workshop covered national and international nuclear law, including:

• Nuclear safety standards

• Nuclear security frameworks

• IAEA safeguards obligations

• Civil liability for nuclear damage

• Requirements for drafting national nuclear legislation

By addressing these areas, the workshop ensured that Burkina Faso’s legal experts and policymakers gain a comprehensive understanding of what is required to launch and regulate a peaceful nuclear programme.

Strengthening National Expertise Through Training

Participants included representatives from ministries, regulatory bodies, and technical agencies central to shaping Burkina Faso’s future nuclear programme. They exchanged perspectives on the legal obligations and strategic decisions needed to ensure that any future nuclear activities meet international best practice.

Legal expert Sougournonma Adama Sawadogo, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the workshop was highly valuable: “It broadened my understanding of the crucial role nuclear law plays in promoting the safe, secure, and peaceful use of atomic energy. The experts’ teaching skills made complex terminology accessible and allowed us to appreciate both theoretical and practical aspects of nuclear regulation.”

A Strong Cross-Government Presence

The workshop gathered decision-makers and specialists from numerous national bodies, reflecting Burkina Faso’s whole-of-government approach to exploring nuclear energy development. Attendees included representatives from:

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• The Atomic Energy Agency of Burkina Faso

• The Interim Legislative Assembly

• The Office of the Prime Minister

• The National Agency for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety

• The Ministry of Environment

• The National Security Council

• Ministries responsible for health, education, territorial administration, energy and mining

This broad participation ensured that all institutions with future responsibilities in nuclear governance were represented and engaged.

Supporting Safe, Secure, Peaceful Nuclear Development

The IAEA delegation also held bilateral meetings with senior government officials, including Burkina Faso’s Minister of Environment, Water and Sanitation and the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. These discussions focused on next steps for strengthening national readiness, legislative alignment with IAEA standards, and the development of a comprehensive nuclear legal framework.

Through this workshop, Burkina Faso gained clarity on:

• The legal preconditions for initiating a nuclear power programme

• The international conventions that must be signed, ratified, and implemented

• The responsibilities of regulatory authorities and operators

• How to design a national nuclear law that supports safety, security and transparency

Looking Ahead: Preparing for a New Energy Pathway

As Burkina Faso continues exploring the potential of nuclear power to expand electricity access and support economic development, the establishment of a solid legal foundation is a critical early milestone. The IAEA will continue providing legislative, technical, and capacity-building support as the country considers next steps.

The workshop marks an important moment in Burkina Faso’s long-term energy planning—ensuring that decisions are informed, safe, and aligned with international standards for peaceful nuclear use.