Ethiopia, Russia Sign Nuclear Power Plant Agreement

12 HOURS AGO·UPDATED 12 HOURS AGO

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Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) greets Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (L) during their meeting at the Konstantin Palace on July 26, 2023 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images

The Spin

Government-critical narrative

Ethiopia's nuclear ambitions with Russia represent a dangerous overreach without proper oversight or financing transparency. These mega-projects lack parliamentary approval and clear governance structures — creating accountability gaps that risk massive public debt. The government announces billions in commitments through media rather than formal budget processes, raising serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and democratic oversight.

African Business

Pro-government narrative

Ethiopia's nuclear partnership with its strategic partner, Russia, delivers essential energy security for 130 million people who cannot afford to wait. The roadmap includes concrete infrastructure development, personnel training, and regulatory frameworks with IAEA support. Nuclear power provides reliable, low-carbon electricity that hydropower alone cannot guarantee, positioning Ethiopia as a regional leader in clean energy diversification.

Business Insider ENA English

Anti-Russia narrative

Russia's bid to build nuclear power plants across Africa is less about delivering clean energy than securing long-term leverage. By tying nations to costly reactor projects, decades-long fuel contracts and Russian technical control, Moscow creates strategic dependence. This so-called cooperation risks debt traps and undermines African sovereignty — giving the Kremlin a durable geopolitical foothold far beyond the energy sector.

Independent

Narrative D

Portrayed as a climate fix, nuclear power in Africa drains scarce funds from cheaper, faster renewables while locking countries into decades of debt and hazardous waste challenges. Huge upfront costs, long construction delays and persistent safety risks make it a costly distraction. Instead of strengthening energy security, nuclear projects risk burdening future generations and slowing the continent’s transition to truly sustainable power.

Transform Defence