As Benin becomes the first country to benefit from a new training advisory mission by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the move signals a strategic turn toward nuclear capacity-building. But beyond the promise of clean energy, critical questions emerge around governance, gender inclusion, and long-term sustainability.
In 2025, Benin quietly stepped into a new phase of its development trajectory. By hosting the first Integrated Nuclear Education Advisory Services (INEAS) mission led by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the country positioned itself at the forefront of nuclear capacity-building in Africa.On paper, the initiative is promising.
It aims to support the development of national training programs that could enable the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear science and technology ,from energy production to applications in health, agriculture and environmental monitoring. In a world racing to decarbonize, nuclear energy is often presented as a low-carbon alternative capable of stabilizing energy systems.But beyond this institutional narrative lies a deeper reality: entering the nuclear space is not just a technical decision it is a political, environmental and social turning point.
An energy ambition in the face of climate challenges
The climate argument in favor of nuclear energy is compelling. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation. For countries facing energy deficits and climate pressure, it appears as a strategic option.However, this perspective often overlooks critical challenges.
Nuclear infrastructure requires massive investment, long-term planning, and highly specialized expertise. For a country like Benin, where renewable energy potential particularly solar — remains largely underexploited, the question arises: is nuclear the most accessible and sustainable pathway?Moreover, the issue of radioactive waste management, environmental risks, and intergenerational responsibility cannot be ignored. The promise of “clean energy” becomes more complex when viewed through the full lifecycle of nuclear technology.
Inclusion and gender: the major omissions in the transition
One of the most striking blind spots in nuclear development strategies is gender inclusion. Globally, the nuclear sector remains heavily male-dominated, both in technical roles and decision-making spaces. If training programs supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency do not actively integrate women, there is a real risk of reproducing structural inequalities within a sector that will shape the future of energy.
In the context of Benin, this raises crucial questions:Who will access these training opportunities?Who will lead tomorrow’s energy decisions?And can a transition truly be sustainable if it excludes half of the population?For a platform like Terre et Femme, the answer is clear: there is no climate justice without gender justice.
