Moscow: On September 25, 2025, Russia and Ethiopia signed a landmark agreement during the “Nuclear Week” forum in Moscow, marking a major step toward establishing Ethiopia's first nuclear power plant. The document was exchanged between Rosatom CEO Aleksei Likhachev and Ethiopian Electric Company CEO Ashebir Balcha, in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The agreement lays out a comprehensive plan for constructing the nuclear facility, including detailed technical and economic strategies. It also includes provisions for training Ethiopian personnel to operate the plant and develop expertise in the nuclear sector. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that the project will follow international safety standards and receive support from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

This initiative is part of Ethiopia's broader strategy to diversify its energy sources beyond hydropower, solar, and wind, to meet the growing energy demands of its population, which exceeds 130 million. Earlier this year, Ethiopia and Russia signed a three-year roadmap to strengthen nuclear technology cooperation, further demonstrating the country's commitment to nuclear energy.

Ethiopia's move into nuclear power reflects a growing trend across Africa, where countries like Niger and Mali are exploring partnerships with Russia to develop nuclear energy, aiming to address energy shortages and support economic growth.

The project is expected to significantly enhance Ethiopia's energy capacity and technological expertise, marking a major milestone in the country's long-term development plans.