China has signed agreements with Sudan, its close ally in Africa to build 600-megawatt atomic reactor, the first such project in the African country. Two framework deals have been signed by state-owned China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC) with Sudan on nuclear power development, including building a 600-megawatt atomic reactor. The agreements may involve a blueprint for nuclear power development in the next decade for Sudan and building the first nuclear power station in the country, the daily quoted a statement issued by the nuclear giant.

China already is having a long standing nuclear cooperation with Pakistan as it has built several nuclear power reactors and is currently building two 1100 mw reactors in Karachi. The agreements with Sudan were signed during a three-day visit to Sudan by a Chinese delegation led by Nur Bekri, head of the National Energy Administration and deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Sudan has faced power shortages in recent years and is seeking to build two 600-mw pressurised water reactors to meet the growing demand for electricity, with construction on the first one starting in 2021.