PM Abiy Says Ethiopia–Russia Nuclear Cooperation Will Diversify Energy Supply and Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has said cooperation with Russia to develop Ethiopia’s first nuclear power plant will diversify the country’s energy options and strengthen bilateral relations, placing nuclear energy among the priorities of Ethiopia’s long-term development agenda.

Addressing the plenary session of the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow on Thursday, Abiy said Ethiopia was pursuing nuclear energy cooperation with Russia as part of efforts to broaden an energy mix that currently relies mainly on hydropower.

In a social media post following his address, the Prime Minister described the nuclear power plant initiative as a strategic partnership that would diversify Ethiopia’s energy options, accelerate national prosperity and reinforce the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

Abiy stressed that the cooperation must extend beyond the development of infrastructure to building the domestic expertise needed to operate and regulate the proposed facility. He also underscored the importance of adhering to the safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Prime Minister noted that nuclear science could contribute to areas beyond electricity generation, including reducing food losses and supporting cancer treatment. These applications point to the wider role scientific and technical capacity can play in Ethiopia’s development.

For Ethiopia, nuclear energy cooperation forms part of a broader effort to expand national capabilities through international partnerships. Abiy said sovereignty gives a country the right to make its own decisions, while the capabilities it develops determine its ability to implement them.

The nuclear initiative therefore brings together Ethiopia’s pursuit of a more diversified energy supply, the development of technical and regulatory expertise, and its cooperation with Russia. Abiy did not provide a timetable, generation capacity or commissioning date for the proposed plant in his address or subsequent social media post.