On September 25, 2025, in Moscow, during the World Atomic Week (WAW 2025), the State Corporation Rosatom and the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation signed an Action Plan to advance the nuclear power plant project in Ethiopia.
The document was signed by Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, and Ashabir Balcha, Director General of the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation.
The Action Plan provides for the establishment of a specialized 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 Ethiopia’s nuclear infrastructure and joint efforts to enhance the qualifications of scientific and technical personnel in various peaceful uses of atomic energy.
Of particular significance were the bilateral talks held between
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ethiopian 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 Ahmed 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 honor 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.
The cooperation between Russia and Ethiopia in peaceful nuclear energy began in 2017 with the signing of a framework memorandum. In 2019, a joint roadmap for the construction of a nuclear power plant and a Nuclear Science and Technology Center was approved. Additional memorandums aimed at personnel training and promoting positive public perception of nuclear energy in Ethiopia were signed in 2021. At the end of 2024, a contract was signed in Addis Ababa for the development of a feasibility study for the Nuclear Science and Technology Center.
The international forum World Atomic Week (WAW 2025), marking the 80th anniversary of the Russian nuclear industry, is being held from September 25 to 28, 2025, at VDNH in Moscow. Organized by Rosatom, the forum features an exhibition of achievements by the Russian nuclear industry and its partners. The business program covers themes including “Affordable Clean Energy,” “Industrial Innovations: Enhancing Production,” “Ecology: Making the Planet Cleaner,” “Advanced Medicine: Safeguarding Health,” “Digital Breakthrough,” “Mobility: Logistics Without Borders,” “Comfortable Environment,” and “Science and Education: Engine of Progress.” The youth program (September 27–28) includes the educational marathon “Knowledge. The First,” organized by the All-Russian Society “Znanie” under the national project “Youth and Children.” The forum also hosts the 2nd Youth Festival “Composites Without Borders.”
Russia actively develops cooperation with all interested countries. Large-scale international projects are ongoing, with Rosatom and its divisions actively participating in these efforts.
