Ethiopia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have agreed to deepen strategic cooperation in support of the country’s peaceful nuclear energy programme.

The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting held at the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission (ENEC), where Chief Commissioner Sandokan Debebe met with UNDP Resident Representative Samuel Gbaydee Doe to discuss areas of collaboration.

According to ENEC, the discussion focused on developing strategic frameworks that can support Ethiopia’s long-term nuclear energy ambitions for peaceful purposes. The two sides explored ways to align technical cooperation with the country’s broader development priorities.

Sandokan Debebe said Ethiopia’s fast-growing economy requires a reliable and sustainable source of energy, describing it as a national priority. He noted that nuclear energy could play an important role in supporting key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, research, and technology. He also linked the development of the sector to Ethiopia’s broader national goals, including the implementation of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 vision.

For his part, Samuel Gbaydee Doe highlighted UNDP’s ongoing work in areas including innovation, climate action, the green economy, and clean energy. He reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to work with Ethiopia on policy development, public awareness initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building programmes.

Both sides underscored the importance of adapting international best practices to Ethiopia’s local context, taking into account the country’s social, cultural, and developmental realities. They noted that such an approach would be essential for encouraging public participation and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the programme.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen cooperation through knowledge exchange and international collaboration in support of Ethiopia’s sustainable energy future.

Source (including image): Fana BC