Project 060*: Support to the EU CBRN Centre of Excellence of Eastern and Central Africa in Nuclear Security

Context

The countries of Eastern and Central Africa (ECA) face radiological and nuclear risks arising from uranium mining, processing and transportation as well as from the state of management of radioactive sources. As part of the development policies in the ECA countries, radioactive sources are ever more widely used in medical institutions and in industry. The licensing, handling and control of these sources, especially at the end of their economic lifetime, occasionally results in leftover orphan sources. A more efficient regulatory oversight of licensed radiation sources acquires greater importance, as do the regular inspections of compliance.

Overall objective

To strengthen and harmonize the nuclear regulatory frameworks in the participating countries, to enhance their nuclear safety and security and to support their efforts to fulfil the international safeguards obligations they have assumed under a plethora of UN and multilateral treaties and conventions.

Specific objectives

1. Help upgrade and harmonize the national regulatory frameworks;
2. Bolster the accountancy and control of radioactive materials and sources;
3. Support the detection, recovery and safe storage of orphan sources as part of national radioactive waste management policies;
4. Help create or upgrade audited national inventories of radioactive sources and materials;
5. Define the needs of radiation detection equipment for enforcement and border management staff;
6. Assist in the development of national response plans (or additional components of existing emergency plans) for potential radiological or nuclear incidents.

Activities

1. Regional workshop on radiological and nuclear response plans;
2. 7 Train-the-trainer courses in English and French language;
3. 7 Simulation table-top exercises and field exercises in English for cross-border investigations of RN materials, illicit trafficking, radiological crime scene management, uranium concentrate ore transportation. Table-top and field exercises in French – one in each of the above categories, except transportation.
4. On-site expert visits and consultations in all 11 project countries;
5. 6 Online webinars;
6. 4 Public advocacy events;
7. Establishment of security inspections for RN material and radioactive sources, training of dedicated teams, elaboration of an inspection manual for all project countries.

Achievements

• 364 national experts, including 52 women, increased their capabilities in the field of nuclear security;
• 43 people, including 9 women, are prepared after Train-the-Trainer courses to spread the accumulated knowledge to their peers;
• Introduction of a new IT tool to the RAIS system used in all 11 countries;
• 500+ African young professionals and university students took part in nuclear advocacy initiatives supported by Project 60 and the ISTC in Kenya, Zambia, South Africa and Ghana
• Project 60 contribution to people’s capacity development included in several national reports on the implementation of the UNSCR 1540.