Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos held talks with Nikolay Spassky, Deputy Director General of Rosatom State Corporation, as the two countries advance nuclear energy cooperation through a new strategic roadmap.
The meeting in Addis Ababa signals deepening cooperation between Ethiopia and Russia in nuclear energy development, building on a nuclear cooperation agreement signed in September.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Gedion emphasized that the longstanding historical ties between Ethiopia and Russia provide a strong foundation for advancing long-term strategic partnerships.
Spassky briefed the Minister on the recent signing of a Strategic Roadmap for Nuclear Energy Development, which outlines practical steps for collaboration between the two nations. The roadmap is designed to guide joint efforts in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Gedion welcomed the progress made since the September nuclear cooperation agreement, highlighting its importance for Ethiopia's future energy ambitions.
The strategic roadmap represents a key milestone in Ethiopia-Russia nuclear cooperation, providing a framework for advancing peaceful nuclear energy development between the two countries.
Ethiopia faces significant energy access challenges across its population of over 120 million people, with millions still lacking reliable electricity access. The country has pursued various energy sources including hydroelectric power through projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, wind farms, and solar installations as part of its energy diversification strategy. Nuclear power represents a potential long-term component of Ethiopia's efforts to expand energy infrastructure, support industrial development, and improve electricity access nationwide. The cooperation with Russia's state nuclear corporation comes as Ethiopia seeks to modernize its energy sector and reduce energy poverty while meeting growing industrial and residential demand.
