Russia and Ethiopia have formalized plans for the construction of a nuclear power plant, with a key document signed in Moscow on September 25, 2025. The agreement was concluded between Rosatom CEO Aleksei Likhachev and Ashebir Balcha, CEO of the Ethiopian Electric Company, during a nuclear power forum in the Russian capital, as reported by Reuters.
The document outlines a roadmap to prepare the technical and economic framework for the project and lays the foundation for an intergovernmental agreement. Speaking at the signing, Rosatom’s Aleksei Likhachev stated, “We will assist in creating a reliable and clean energy source for Ethiopia, supporting both sustainable development and energy security.”
For Ethiopia, the project is seen as a critical step in addressing rising electricity demand and diversifying its energy mix. Ethiopian Electric Company’s Ashebir Balcha emphasized, “This roadmap and detailed construction plan will lay the foundation for future cooperation. Ethiopia is ready to strengthen its energy infrastructure in partnership with Russia.”
The cooperation also includes training of Ethiopian personnel, capacity building in nuclear technologies, and the creation of the necessary infrastructure for safe operation. Ethiopia’s leadership has highlighted the deal as part of a broader national strategy to reduce power shortages. “Our priority is to secure long-term solutions for energy access, and this agreement signals that we are taking bold steps,” Balcha added.
Africa’s nuclear ambitions have grown steadily in recent years, with South Africa currently the only nation operating a power reactor and Egypt constructing its first plant, as highlighted by Reuters. Ethiopia’s move underscores a regional trend toward nuclear energy adoption as countries seek to meet industrial and population growth demands.
