AfrPowerOS country record
Ethiopia's nuclear & energy program
Ethiopia's nuclear power program status: Exploring (IAEA milestone phase 1). Confidence-labelled, cited records on capacity, grid targets, regulators, vendors and key events, from the open AfrPowerOS dataset.
Ethiopia — key facts
- CountryEthiopia
- RegionEast Africa
- Program statusExploring — Early-stage assessment, no commitment yet
- IAEA milestone phasePhase 1 — Ready to make a knowledgeable commitment to nuclear power
- Commercial reactors operating0
- Commercial reactors under construction0
- RegulatorEthiopian Technology Authority (ETA)
- Implementing agencyEthiopian Technology Authority (ETA)
- AgreementsEthiopia-Russia strategic roadmap for nuclear energy development (reported 2026); IAEA technical cooperation programme
- ConfidenceVerified
- Last verified2026-08-16
Summary
Formally notified the IAEA of its intent to use peaceful nuclear technology for power generation and is strengthening its regulatory and legal framework. The Ethiopian Technology Authority convened a stakeholder forum (Aug 2026) to review draft regulations for nuclear installations, with input from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Russia's Rostechnadzor. Reported strategic roadmap with Russia (2026); reported programme vision of ~2 x 1,200 MWe reactors (2032-2034) not officially confirmed. No procurement decision.
Key events
- 2026-08Ethiopian Technology Authority convenes consultation on draft nuclear regulations source
- 2026-03Ethiopia and Russia report strategic roadmap for nuclear energy development source
Sources
- https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_9339403
- https://africasustainabilitymatters.com/ethiopia-advances-civilian-nuclear-power-framework-as-addis-ababa-seeks-to-diversify-its-hydropower-heavy-electricity-system/
- https://eta.gov.et/
Related countries
Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
Confidence labels: Verified (primary source), Inference (reasonable reading of verified evidence), Speculation (hypothesis), Unverified (reported, not confirmed). See the methodology.