AMN Plus-March 12/2026
Sandokan Debebe, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission (ENEC), held a bilateral discussion, on March 12, 2026, with Ambassador Sem Fabrizi, Ambasador of Italy to Ethiopia, at the ENEC Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
During the meeting, Commissioner Sandokan Debebe emphasized the strategic importance of integrating nuclear energy into Ethiopia’s future energy mix to support the country’s rapid industrialization. Sandokan highlighted that nuclear power can provide reliable baseload electricity, creating opportunities for the development of energy-intensive industries. The Commissioner also briefly presented Ethiopia’s progress and achievements in the research, development, and peaceful application of nuclear technology.
Ambassador Sem Fabrizi provided an overview of Italy’s history and experience in nuclear technology research and development. The Ambassador noted that the Italian government is currently exploring pathways to integrate nuclear power into Italy’s future energy mix.
The Ambassador also highlighted that Italy’s previous experience and current industrial and scientific capability in nuclear power development, combined with Ethiopia’s ambition to introduce nuclear energy, creates a strong foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Both sides discussed potential areas of collaboration, including engagement with Italian institutions and companies experienced in nuclear power program development, technical support from Italian experts for nuclear infrastructure development, and cooperation in training and capacity building. Additional areas of interest include collaboration in radioactive waste management and exploring development finance opportunities through Italian agency for development cooperation and Mattei plan for cleaning energy, Human resource development and energy planning.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing strong interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation in nuclear science and technology for sustainable development as to Ethiopian Nuclear Commission reported it.
