Russia, Ethiopia forge new nuclear power alliance – A landmark for Africa’s energy future

MOSCOW: The State Corporation Rosatom and the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation signed a comprehensive Action Plan to take forward Ethiopia’s nuclear power ambitions during the recently held World Atomic Week (WAW 2025) in Moscow. The signing — witnessed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed — signals a major step toward implementing a clean, stable energy backbone for East Africa.

The Action Plan was executed by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation Director General Ashabir Balcha. It provides for the establishment of a specialised working group to conduct detailed elaboration of the nuclear power plant construction project, preparation of a roadmap leading to a feasibility study, and the signing of an intergovernmental agreement. Additionally, the document includes support for the development of technical personnel in various peaceful uses of atomic energy.

Of particular significance were the bilateral talks held between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The discussions focused on prospects and next steps for implementation of the nuclear power plant project in Ethiopia. Prime Minister Abiy also participated in the Global Atomic Forum held as part of World Atomic Week alongside heads of state from several other countries.

“Ethiopia is a valued partner, and we are pleased to assist this rapidly developing country in establishing a reliable and clean energy source. With the signing of the Action Plan to develop the nuclear power plant project, we move closer to the start of construction of Ethiopia’s first nuclear power plant. Rosatom is ready to share the latest technologies, support training of personnel and creation of necessary infrastructure. It is a great honour for us to be part of a project that will ensure a sustainable energy future for the country and the entire region,” noted Alexey Likhachev.

WAW 2025 brought together representatives from more than 100 countries, with Africa strongly represented. Alongside Ethiopia, participants included Rwanda, Ghana, and South Africa. In the youth track, Head of Nuclear Safety and Security at Rwanda’s Atomic Energy Board Agnes Mutoni co-presented the first Youth Declaration on Atomic Cooperation. Delegates further comprised Deputy Director of Nuclear and Alternative Energy at Ghana’s Ministry of Energy Dr. Robert B. M. Sogbadji and Founder of Africa4Nuclear from South Africa Princess Mthombeni.

Looking ahead, WAW’s momentum sets the stage for next steps: forming working groups, carrying out feasibility studies, establishing regulatory institutions, and mapping out financing and implementation strategies. The Rosatom–Ethiopia agreement may well become a reference point for other African nations — showing how nuclear development can be structured responsibly and collaboratively, while being adapted to local needs.