In a significant move to advance its nuclear science capabilities, Togo has announced the creation of its first Atomic Energy Commission (CEAT – Commissariat à l’énergie atomique du Togo). The decision, made during a Council of Ministers meeting on January 10, 2025, marks a crucial step in the West African nation’s commitment to developing peaceful nuclear technology applications.
The establishment of CEAT follows Togo’s decade-long engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which began with its membership in 2012. This new institution will serve as the country’s strategic hub for coordinating nuclear technology development and research across various sectors, including energy, healthcare, agriculture, and climate change mitigation.
“The creation of the Atomic Energy Commission will enable our country to develop and implement training programs, research initiatives, and applications for nuclear technology development,” stated the official government communique. This development comes as part of Togo’s broader strategy to harness nuclear science for civilian purposes, building upon the country’s nuclear legislation passed in June 2020 and the creation of its National Authority for Nuclear Safety and Security (ANSSN).
The Commission’s mandate reflects Togo’s commitment to what it describes as “safe, peaceful, and innovative exploitation of civil nuclear technologies.” This approach aligns with global trends in utilizing nuclear science for sustainable development, particularly in emerging economies seeking to leverage atomic technology for societal advancement.
By establishing CEAT, Togo aims to create a specialized framework for managing nuclear technology development, emphasizing the “highly scientific nature” of the field. The Commission will operate within specific strategic, technical, and operational parameters, ensuring adherence to international standards and best practices in nuclear science.
This development represents a significant milestone in Togo’s scientific infrastructure and demonstrates the country’s growing involvement in advanced technological fields. As West Africa continues to expand its scientific capabilities, Togo’s new Atomic Energy Commission positions the country to play a more prominent role in regional nuclear research and development initiatives.
The timing of this announcement, coming at the start of 2025, signals Togo’s forward-looking approach to scientific development and its commitment to building robust institutions for managing sophisticated technological advances in the nuclear field.
