Addis Ababa, September 19, 2025 (FMC) – International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has pledged continued support to Ethiopia’s planned peaceful nuclear energy program and the expansion of cancer care, following bilateral talks with Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Mola on the sidelines of the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria.
The discussions focused on advancing Ethiopia’s aspirations for nuclear energy, strengthening cancer treatment capacity, and promoting the use of nuclear technology in agriculture and health sectors.
Minister Belete expressed his deep appreciation for the Director General’s leadership in advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear technology globally.
He thanked the IAEA for the decision to provide a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) to Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa following Grossi’s visit to Ethiopia in June, describing it as a vital step in strengthening the country’s cancer care capacity. He welcomed the growing collaboration with the Agency in this field.
The Minister highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to developing a peaceful nuclear energy program, including plans revealed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to introduce nuclear power in the near future.
He emphasized that technical assistance and knowledge transfer from the IAEA will be essential as Ethiopia lays the groundwork for this program, underlining the need for continued support in human resource development and technical expertise.
Belete also welcomed the IAEA’s initiatives in agriculture and health, noting Ethiopia’s determination to strengthen its regulatory framework for the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
He stressed that the Agency’s support is vital to reinforcing this framework and ensuring the success of the programs underway.
For his part, Director General Grossi reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia.
He underscored that the IAEA will provide the LINAC, donated by Siemens Healthineers’ Varian, to expand cancer treatment access, and that the Agency is working with Ethiopia through its Atoms for Food program to improve nutrition for the country’s more than 120 million people.
He further pledged that the IAEA stands ready to assist Ethiopia in achieving its aspiration to introduce nuclear power in the coming decade.
Both sides expressed optimism that the strengthened collaboration will promote knowledge transfer, boost human resource development, reinforce regulatory capacity, and advance Ethiopia’s peaceful nuclear energy, health, and agricultural programs.
The 69th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference was held from September 15 to 19, 2025, at the Vienna International Centre.
The Conference, which meets annually, brings together all Member States of the IAEA to approve the Agency’s budget, consider key issues raised by the Board of Governors, the Director General, and Member States, and set the policy direction of the Agency. Ethiopia’s delegation, led by Minister Belete Mola, participated in the conference.