Ethiopia, as a member of the African Regional Cooperation Agreement for the Development of Nuclear Science and Technology Research (AFRA), is focused on enhancing its utilization of nuclear technology. The announcement was made by the Minister of Innovation and Technology during the 35th meeting of the AFRA Technical Working Group.
In recent years, Ethiopia has been making significant strides in developing its nuclear science and technology capabilities. This includes plans to establish a nuclear science and technology research center in the country. Students will be sent to China and Russia for advanced studies in this field. Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Mola, shared that discussions are ongoing with Russia’s Rosatom regarding the construction of the center following the completion of a feasibility study.
While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is not a party to AFRA, it offers crucial technical and scientific support to member states. This support includes financial and administrative assistance, following the principles, rules, and procedures outlined in the IAEA’s technical cooperation program. AFRA was established in April 1990 as an intergovernmental agreement among African member states aimed at strengthening the continent’s contributions to socioeconomic development through nuclear science and technology. The agreement has an annual budget of €10m and provides a framework for member states to enhance cooperation through programs and projects that address their common interests.
