Russian nuclear giant partners with Ethiopia

The agreement the African state signed with Rosatom includes the opening of a Nuclear Science and Technology Center

A subsidiary of Rosatom has signed a contract with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of a Nuclear Science and Technology Center (NSTC) in the African country, the Russian state atomic energy company’s press service announced on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Rosatom will also soon begin assessing Ethiopia’s non-energy sector to identify how nuclear and radiation technology can address the country’s economic needs. This analysis will help compile a list of potential users of these technologies, laying the groundwork for a market for commercial products and services based on the NSTC’s capabilities.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting the importance of Rosatom’s role in helping Ethiopia advance its nuclear energy and non-energy programs.

He believes that the Russian company “will assist Ethiopia in developing national nuclear power and non-energy programs as well as individual projects.”

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Rosatom emphasized its dedication to fostering nuclear development on the African continent. “We are working with our international partners on various projects and joint solutions to develop nuclear and radiation technologies on the African continent,” Ilya Vergizaev, Executive Director of Rosatom’s division, stated.

He added that the agreement solidifies the long-term commitment of both nations to collaborative progress in this field.

Anatoly Bashkin, Director of the Africa Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, highlighted Rosatom’s pivotal role in Africa’s energy development during the ‘Russia-Africa: What’s Next?’ forum at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO). He emphasized that Africa is increasingly attractive for investments in high-tech industries, noting Rosatom’s active promotion of projects for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. These initiatives include constructing centers based on multipurpose research reactors and, in the future, nuclear power plants, aiming to enhance the continent’s energy security and industrial growth.

Last October, Burkina Faso signed an agreement with Rosatom for the construction of a nuclear power plant, following a request that its interim leader, Ibrahim Traore, made of Russian President Vladimir Putin at the second Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg.

READ MORE: Rosatom enhancing Africa’s energy security – Russian Foreign Ministry

Rosatom started building the fourth power unit of the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt in January. The project, launched in 2017, is being financed jointly by Moscow and Cairo, while the Russian state company will supply nuclear fuel to the facility throughout its life cycle.