The year 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons’ (NPT) entering into force. Although the treaty is an important pillar of global security in terms of the weaponisation of nuclear energy, it also asserts the right of all states to the peaceful use of nuclear technology. This is particularly important for the African continent. African countries are looking at ways to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and make headway on priority areas of Agenda 2063. One of the ways to achieve developmental progress is through nuclear energy. Apart from possessing the natural resources (uranium, plutonium, thorium and zirconium) necessary for nuclear energy, a number of African states are either building or expanding their facilities for civilian use. Others are working jointly with international institutions and other countries (in both the North and the South) to leverage the developmental benefits that can be derived from this technology.