Young Tanzanian scientist Japhet Matekere has won the 2026 Atoms Empowering Africa video contest, a prize organized by Rosatom in partnership with the BRICS Nuclear Platform. The competition, which attracted participants from across Africa, highlighted innovations in nuclear technologies and international collaboration to tackle development challenges. Matekere’s win underscores growing interest among African youth in science and sustainable development, as noted by Elsie Pule, Head Coordinator of the BRICS Nuclear Platform.
The contest featured five thematic tracks: energy, healthcare, education, regional development, and nuclear cooperation within BRICS. Matekere, a specialist from Tanzania, joined 11 other winners from nine African countries. His achievement comes amid significant progress in Tanzania’s Mkuju River uranium project, a key initiative led by Rosatom through its subsidiary Mantra Tanzania Ltd. The project, located in the southeast of the country, has reached a major milestone with the commissioning of a pilot uranium processing plant in July 2025.
Expansion of the Mkuju River Uranium Project
The Mkuju River project, centered on the Nyota deposit, holds an estimated 58,500 tonnes of uranium, making it one of the world’s largest deposits. The pilot plant, inaugurated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, serves as a testing ground for mining and processing technologies. It also provides training for engineering personnel, a critical step before the main industrial complex begins operations. Construction of the main plant is set to start in 2026, with commissioning planned for 2029. The project is expected to produce up to 3,000 tonnes of uranium annually, with total investment reaching USD 1 billion.
Tanzania’s focus on the Mkuju River project aligns with broader efforts to leverage natural resources for socio-economic growth. The site is considered a priority for the country’s development, aiming to drive technological and economic progress in the southeast region. Rosatom’s involvement highlights the role of international partnerships in advancing large-scale mining initiatives.
