Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers approved a regulation on Tuesday establishing the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission, advancing plans to add nuclear power to its energy mix.
The new body will oversee efforts to develop and regulate the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation, industrial applications, healthcare, and agriculture, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. The regulation takes effect immediately upon publication in the Negarit Gazeta, the government’s legal bulletin.
The move follows the government’s September announcement of an ambitious nuclear program aimed at constructing two reactors of about 1,200 megawatts each by the early 2030s. The project is intended to reduce Ethiopia’s reliance on hydropower — which currently accounts for more than 90 percent of electricity supply — and meet growing energy demand from urbanization and industrialization.
Russia is a key partner in the plan. Earlier this month, Ethiopia signed an Action Plan with Moscow to conduct feasibility studies, select sites, and transfer technology. The deal portrays deepening energy cooperation between the two countries, with Russia expected to provide both technical expertise and training for Ethiopian specialists.
While officials say the initiative will help advance industrial development and energy security, it comes with steep costs and capacity challenges. The nuclear component alone could require tens of billions of dollars in financing and extensive technical training.
Ethiopia’s pivot toward nuclear energy adds to a growing list of mega-projects under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration, including an oil refinery, a natural gas plant, airport expansions, and 1.5 million housing units — all aimed at accelerating growth and reducing import dependence.
If successful, the nuclear program could position Ethiopia as one of Africa’s pioneers in civilian nuclear power, joining South Africa and Egypt in operating reactors for energy production.