Apart from the Koeberg nuclear plant, SA is also developing the pebble bed modular reactor technology for its power generation and Eskom is examining the feasibility of building another conventional nuclear plant.

The minister said that Africa possessed significant uranium resources which not only should be beneficiated but also used to generate energy.

"This is going to require deliberate and calculated planning on the part of the leaders of the continent. We will require strategic partnerships from those who have extensive nuclear programmes.

"A nuclear programme requires extensive infrastructure and huge investment in skills.

"I believe that for this continent it may be beneficial for regional approaches to be adopted in building this infrastructure."