The 28th Technical Working Group Meeting (TWGM) of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) took place in Kampala from 17 to 21 July 2017, which was hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of the Republic of Uganda.
Thirty-one National Coordinators from AFRA State Parties took part in this meeting, which was officially opened by H.E Rt. Hon Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda.
Ms Eng. Irene Muloni, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Mr. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Director of the Division for Africa, and Mr. Mickel Edwerd, AFRA Focal person were also present.
AFRA National Coordinators deliberated on AFRA policy and programme-related matters and discussed measures and actions to further improve the management of regional cooperative projects.
They also discussed measures and actions to further enhance the efficiency of IAEA deliverables and the effectiveness of IAEA supported activities at the regional level.
During the opening speech the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister underlined the important cooperation between Uganda and the IAEA and highlighted the Agency’s contribution for their socio-economic development, especially in the development of Uganda’s nuclear power programme.
On behalf of the DDG –TC, Mr. Shaukat Abdulrazak, articulated the importance of nuclear science and technology in the developmental agenda in Africa.
He emphasized the need for triangular cooperation between Member States and the IAEA and the importance of ensuring that adequate safety infrastructure and human resources are developed and maintained.
Meeting participants had the opportunity to take part in discussions and activities, including a one-day seminar on Impact Delivery of the AFRA Programme, experience-sharing and lessons learned from the implementation of the triangular cooperation project through two case-studies, the design and formulation of AFRA projects under the next TC Cycle 2018-2019, and the formulation of the new AFRA Regional Strategic Cooperative Framework 2019-2023.
As a result of these deliberations, best practices and lessons shared between the participants and disseminated regionally about the successful implementation and management triangular cooperation projects; Strategic actions taken to ensure the high quality of AFRA project designs formulated under the TC Cycle 2018-2019, particularly in relation to their relevance to regional development needs; and an agreed roadmap for the formulation of the new AFRA Regional Strategic Cooperative Framework 2019-2023 which would contribute to further enhance the peaceful use of nuclear technology in the region.
