Ethiopia’s $30 Billion Energy Transition: Nuclear Power, Partnerships, Opportunities

In September 2025, Ethiopia took a historic step by signing a nuclear power plant development action plan with Russia. The agreement between the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) and Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) was formalized in Moscow, witnessed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Vladimir Putin.

The action plan establishes a roadmap for feasibility studies, infrastructure development, regulatory preparation, and human capital training. It also lays the foundation for constructing Ethiopia’s first nuclear power plant—an ambitious project that will fundamentally reshape the country’s energy architecture.

This partnership is not entirely new. As early as 2018, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Addis Ababa resulted in agreements to enhance educational and technical cooperation in nuclear science. Under Rosatom’s guidance, Ethiopia will benefit from technology transfer, workforce training, and regulatory support—ensuring safe and sustainable deployment of nuclear energy.

A New Chapter

Ethiopia has taken a defining step in its energy transition with the Council of Ministers approving the establishment of the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission. The new body will lead and coordinate the country’s peaceful use of nuclear technology, aligning with international frameworks and advancing Ethiopia’s long-term development goals in power generation, industry, healthcare, science, and research.

For decades, Ethiopia’s electricity system has been dominated by hydropower, culminating in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)—Africa’s largest hydropower facility. While GERD represents a major milestone in renewable energy development, Ethiopia’s growing population—the second largest in Africa—and its rapidly expanding economy have placed unprecedented pressure on the country’s power system. Recurrent droughts have exposed the limitations of hydropower dependence, underscoring the need for diversification and climate resilience.

Why Nuclear, and Why Now?

Ethiopia’s nuclear vision is driven by both economic necessity and environmental reality. The country’s overreliance on hydropower—while renewable—has left it vulnerable to climate variability. Droughts have repeatedly triggered power shortages that disrupt industries and reduce export capacity to neighboring states. Nuclear power offers a dependable, weather-independent baseload option to stabilize the grid and support continuous growth.

With accelerating urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, Ethiopia’s electricity demand is projected to rise sharply. Nuclear energy provides the large-scale, reliable supply needed to meet domestic consumption, power new industries, and expand regional electricity exports.

Equally significant are the geopolitical dimensions of Ethiopia’s nuclear program. The deal with Russia reflects a strategic shift toward diversifying international partnerships and strengthening Ethiopia’s voice in global energy diplomacy. Moscow, through Rosatom, has become a major player in Africa’s nuclear landscape, working with countries such as Egypt. Ethiopia’s inclusion in this network positions it as a rising participant in the continent’s emerging nuclear ecosystem.

National Vision and Development Goals

Ethiopia’s nuclear ambitions align closely with its broader $30 billion infrastructure plan spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Under this initiative, Ethiopia plans to operate two nuclear reactor units between 2032 and 2034, each with a capacity of around 1,200 MW. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are also under consideration for decentralized applications and remote areas.

The Prime Minister has emphasized that the nuclear program will serve exclusively peaceful purposes, ensuring compliance with global non-proliferation standards while accelerating socioeconomic development.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Russia, Genet Teshome Jirru, reaffirmed that both nations are deepening cooperation to advance Ethiopia’s nuclear vision—underscoring long-term bilateral engagement in technology, training, and project execution.

The Business and Investment Landscape

According to the Nuclear Business Platform (NBP), Africa could achieve 15 GW of nuclear capacity by 2035, with Ethiopia emerging as a key player. NBP currently classifies Ethiopia as a Tier 2 nuclear nation, reflecting strong government commitment, an active policy framework, and progress in nuclear infrastructure readiness.

With electrification levels just above 45% and per capita electricity consumption at only 86 kWh, Ethiopia presents immense potential for energy investors. Over 80% of current electricity generation comes from hydropower, yet this dominance creates systemic risk under variable climate conditions. Nuclear power introduces diversification, reliability, and long-term cost stability into the mix—offering investors a clear pathway to sustainable returns.

By 2030, Ethiopia aims to:

• Achieve 100% electricity access from renewable and low-carbon sources.

• Supply clean cooking fuels to 20 million households.

• Expand generation capacity from 5.2 GW to 19 GW.

• Keep CO₂ emissions below 4% of total energy output.

These targets highlight Ethiopia’s commitment to a low-carbon, inclusive growth model, with nuclear power playing a central enabling role.

Regional Implications: Ethiopia’s Emerging Role in African Energy

Ethiopia’s nuclear project has implications beyond its borders. A successful rollout would solidify the nation’s position as a regional energy hub, exporting electricity across East Africa through the planned Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP). The integration of nuclear into Ethiopia’s grid will enhance stability, support industrialization, and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) from technology providers, engineering firms, and infrastructure financiers.

Moreover, Ethiopia’s proactive engagement with Rosatom may serve as a blueprint for other African nations considering nuclear energy. With Rosatom’s expanding footprint in Africa, collaboration opportunities are rising for shared training, regulatory harmonization, and localized manufacturing—creating a continent-wide ecosystem of nuclear cooperation.

Way Forward: Nuclear as a Catalyst for Ethiopia’s Energy Future

Ethiopia’s entry into nuclear power marks a transformational chapter in Africa’s clean energy narrative. The nation’s pursuit of nuclear technology is not merely about generating electricity—it is about building resilience, fostering industrialization, and achieving energy sovereignty.

As hydropower faces mounting climate pressures, nuclear energy stands out as a dependable and scalable solution which can complement each other. Through strategic partnerships, robust governance, and investment-friendly policies, Ethiopia is positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s next energy revolution—one that balances sustainability, stability, and economic opportunity. 

A key milestone in this evolving landscape will be the 5th Africa Nuclear Business Platform (AFNBP) 2026, scheduled for 21–23 April in Abuja, Nigeria. Hosted by the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), this high-level forum will gather policymakers, global stakeholders, and industry leaders to define the next phase of Africa’s nuclear journey. The event will serve as a critical platform for collaboration, investment partnerships, and strategic dialogue, enabling nations like Ethiopia to engage directly with regional and international partners. Such initiatives will accelerate Africa’s transition toward nuclear-powered industrial growth and further solidify the continent’s collective momentum toward a resilient, low-carbon future.