Ethiopia has signed an agreement with Russia to build a nuclear power plant, marking a significant step in its efforts to diversify energy sources.
The deal was finalized in Moscow on Thursday between Ethiopia’s Electric Power Company and Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, during a nuclear energy forum.
Both sides agreed to draft a detailed construction plan, prepare a technical and economic roadmap, and conclude an intergovernmental agreement. The deal also includes staff training to develop Ethiopia’s nuclear sector.
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Separately, Niger’s mining minister, Ousmane Abarchi, announced plans to build two 2,000-megawatt nuclear reactors with Rosatom and expand cooperation on the country’s uranium reserves. Niger, the world’s eighth-largest uranium producer in 2024, aims to use the resource to boost domestic power generation. He said the projects would operate under International Atomic Energy Agency oversight.
The agreements reflect Moscow’s push to deepen bilateral energy partnerships across Africa, expanding its strategic footprint on the continent.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing the World Atomic Week in Moscow, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to honouring all nuclear agreements regardless of politics.
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He highlighted nuclear safety as a top priority and revealed plans to launch by 2030 the world’s first closed fuel cycle system, which would reuse over 90% of spent fuel to reduce waste and uranium demand.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
