African youths get recognition at nuclear competition

Students from universities across Africa have won a competition on nuclear energy hosted by the Russian company Rosatom.

The annual Atoms Empowering Africa online video competition saw participants create a short video on various nuclear-related topics.

Their submissions were shared on Facebook and a panel of international experts, including judges from South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia and Ethiopia evaluated the process.

Students were encouraged to explore the potential of nuclear technologies and their benefits in the African context.

Over 50 participants from different African countries participated in this year’s competition.

Rosatom announced the results this week, which saw South African, Egyptian, Kenyan, Nigerian, Saudi Arabian, Ugandan and Sudanese students selected.

Namibian students have previously taken part in the competition but none were represented this year.

The winners are: Katlego Sebopela and Kamogelo Sehoole from South Africa; Mahmoud Elbehri, Farah Hakem and her team, Yasmin Ehab and her team, Salah Alfiky, and Ayman Yassein from Egypt; Michelle Wafula from Kenya; Obiozor Oguine and Ayobami Adedinni from Nigeria; Habab Abdal

Khaleg from Saudi Arabia; George William Tinka from Uganda; and Mohamed Almonzer Salih from Sudan.

The group will be headed to Russia this year to tour some of the world’s most advanced nuclear facilities.

“As a nuclear enthusiast passionate about demystifying nuclear energy in Africa, the Atoms Empowering Africa competition has been an incredible journey and a fantastic platform. This initiative empowers young minds to rethink nuclear technology and envision a sustainable future for our continent,” said Sebopela, the winner of the competition.

Rosatom central and southern Africa chief executive Ryan Collyer said since inception in 2015, the competition has seen an increasing number of participants from new countries across the continent annually.

“African students showcase their impressive knowledge and talents, and the winners gain the unique opportunity to visit Russia and tour nuclear facilities,” Collyer said.

Collyer noted that the competition not only highlights the vast potential of African students but also fosters international collaboration.