Ethiopia to Launch Africa-Focused Nuclear Engineering Degree Program with IAEA Backing
Ethiopia has been selected by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to host a bachelor’s degree program in nuclear science and technology for African member states.
The announcement was made by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology, which revealed that a strategic agreement has been signed between the IAEA, the Government of China, Tsinghua University, and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) to establish the continent’s first IAEA-backed undergraduate program in nuclear engineering based in Ethiopia.
The initiative is designed to build long-term capacity in nuclear science across the African continent—particularly in sectors such as health, agriculture, mining, environmental management, manufacturing, and energy. The program will also serve Ethiopia’s domestic needs by nurturing a new generation of nuclear engineers and technical experts.
Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Molla, described the agreement as a turning point in Ethiopia’s scientific advancement. “Ethiopia is emerging as a gateway to science and technology in Africa,” he said. “By hosting this program, we are not only accelerating our own development but offering access to a critical knowledge frontier for our African partners.”
He noted that Ethiopia’s selection followed an extensive negotiation process, during which its institutional readiness and regional relevance were emphasized. The program will support the country’s broader economic goals by integrating peaceful nuclear technology applications into national development strategies.
As part of the agreement, up to ten Ethiopian professionals will undergo a six-month specialized training at Tsinghua University in China—one of the world’s leading institutions in nuclear science. Upon their return, they will support the delivery of the degree program in collaboration with experts from China and the IAEA.
IAEA Deputy Director General for Technical Cooperation, Hua Liu, expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s capacity to lead the initiative. He emphasized the program’s broader economic implications, noting that the IAEA and the Chinese government will provide laboratory infrastructure and other essential resources to support implementation.
