The Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission (ENEC) plans to begin generating electricity using nuclear technology in less than 10 years. ENEC Deputy Commissioner Abdulrazak Omar told local media that nuclear energy development and power generation typically take 10-15 years. However, he noted that some countries, most notably China, have managed to shorten this timeframe and Ethiopia aims to achieve a similar progress within less than a decade.
He said Ethiopia has already established a national institution capable of assuming responsibility for developing a nuclear power programme, stressing that preparatory work is already underway. He explained that the process goes beyond building physical infrastructure and includes nuclear safety and security requirements in line with internationally recognised standards.
He also emphasised the importance of raising public and institutional awareness to support the shift towards nuclear energy. He noted that certain risks associated with the sector require a high level of coordination and close cooperation among all stakeholders – from local communities to state institutions.
The Ministry of Innovation & Technology (MInT) and ENEC held discussions on areas of collaboration under the Peaceful Nuclear Technology Development Programme. Dr Belete Molla, Minister of Innovation & Technology, emphasised the importance of rapidly implementing the peaceful nuclear technology development program and working jointly to integrate it into the country’s economic development agenda. He noted that Ethiopia’s decision to invest in nuclear technology is timely and that the sector will significantly support the nation’s efforts to achieve accelerated economic growth.
He further stated that ENEC should build upon the extensive initiatives previously launched by MInT. He affirmed that the Ministry will provide the necessary support to foster a suitable culture and create enabling conditions for the development of the sector.
ENEC Commissioner Sandokan Debebe stated that substantial progress has been made within a short period in organising the institution and making it operational. He expressed his strong interest in working closely with the Ministry of Innovation & Technology and emphasised that the desired outcomes can be achieved through coordinated implementation of the peaceful nuclear technology development programme, which has received significant attention from the Ethiopian Government.
In December 2025, Ethiopia and Russia took a step towards Ethiopia’s first NPP with the signing of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in Moscow. The NDA forms part of the implementation of an earlier agreement between Ethiopia and Russia to facilitate the development and construction a nuclear power facility.
The NDA was signed by ENEC Commissioner Debebe, and Rosatom Director General for Energy Projects, Andrey Rozhdestvin. During several meetings, the two sides reviewed two key documents: the NDA and a detailed Road Map. Discussions focused on the substantive issues outlined in a Comprehensive Action Plan signed in September 2025, on the sidelines of World Atomic Week in Moscow.
The agreement builds on previous discussions between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which explored bilateral cooperation in several fields, including the peaceful use of nuclear technology to strengthen Ethiopia’s energy sector.
Earlier in December, Ethiopia officially launched its national nuclear power programme at a high-level ceremony in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gedeon Timothewos said the move was driven by rapidly growing electricity demand, the need for reliable baseload energy, and long-term industrial ambitions.
He emphasised that nuclear power will be central to Ethiopia’s plans to ensure energy security, support urbanisation, and power emerging sectors such as data centres and advanced manufacturing.
Commissioner Debebe said Ethiopia’s electricity demand is projected to reach nearly 86 TWh by 2035, far exceeding the capacity of current energy sources. He described nuclear power as a “strategic and future-defining” solution capable of supporting the country’s economic transformation and long-term resilience.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is providing extensive technical support. IAEA Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to helping Ethiopia build the institutional, regulatory, and human-resource foundations required for a safe and secure nuclear programme.
Ongoing cooperation includes capacity building, expert missions, infrastructure planning, and support for Ethiopia’s growing use of nuclear technology in medicine and cancer treatment.
