Ethiopia and Italy have opened a new chapter of bilateral cooperation in the nuclear energy sector following high-level talks aimed at integrating nuclear technology into their respective national energy strategies.

The Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission (ENEC) Commissioner, Sandokan Debebe, met with the Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Agostino Palese, at the Commission’s headquarters to discuss the strategic importance of nuclear power in driving rapid industrialization. During the exchange, Commissioner Sandokan emphasized that nuclear energy is a critical component for Ethiopia’s future, offering the reliable and high-capacity electricity supply necessary to sustain energy-intensive industries. He also briefed the Ambassador on Ethiopia’s current progress in nuclear research and development for peaceful applications.

Ambassador Palese highlighted Italy’s extensive historical expertise in the field and noted that the Italian government is currently exploring ways to incorporate nuclear power into its own future energy mix. He suggested that the synergy between Italy’s technical experience and Ethiopia’s development ambitions creates a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership. The meeting concluded with both parties expressing a firm commitment to strengthening cooperation in nuclear science and technology to support long-term sustainable development.