The majority of African National Nuclear Institutions (NNIs) presently rely mainly on governmental support that has been declining over the last decade because of changes in national priorities. This trend is not affecting Africa only, but also many other NNIs worldwide. In addition to this major challenge, other important challenges facing NNIs in Africa include:
- Declining donor support for the promotion and development of nuclear science and technology in Africa as a result of general “donor fatigue” and re-direction of aid to other sectors;
- Declining relevance, public perception and credibility at national level;
- Lack of clear vision, strategic plans and managerial skills;
- Lack of enforced legislative framework in some countries;
- Lack of good institutional governance including accountability and auditing systems.
Moreover, NNIs should build their own capacity to become less dependent on external funding by establishing partnerships to stimulate growth and development and to direct national efforts towards income-generating activities. NNIs realize that they must critically evaluate their activities, core competencies and structures with the aim of streamlining and re-focusing these to limit expenditure, be more responsive to end-user needs and increase their participation in national development efforts.
Particular emphasis should be placed on activities with immediate impact on socio-economical conditions of the public at large and which are likely to be sustainable in the long run. The modality of Technical Cooperation between Developing Countries (TCDC) should be used to promote self-reliance through optimal use of regional infrastructure, thereby leading to Economic Cooperation between Developing Countries (ECDC).