Ethiopia Unveils $30 Billion Nuclear and Infrastructure Drive

Ethiopia has announced a landmark US$30 billion infrastructure initiative to transform its energy and transport sectors, including plans for its first nuclear power plant – set to match the scale of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed revealed the plan during GERD’s inauguration, confirming two 1,200 MW nuclear reactors targeted for operation between 2032 and 2034. The facility, strictly for peaceful purposes, will be accompanied by exploratory work on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for future flexibility.

Currently generating just 5.2 GW – serving less than 60 percent of its 120 million people – Ethiopia aims to leapfrog its energy deficit. With over 90 percent of existing capacity from hydropower, the nation holds potential for more than 60,000 MW from renewables, according to the International Trade Administration.

The nuclear expansion complements this, targeting reliable baseload power amid 20 percent annual electricity demand growth.

The broader US$30 billion package includes Ethiopia’s first oil refinery, two natural gas plants (one 10x larger than the other), and Africa’s largest airport – at Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa – with four runways and 60 million passenger capacity annually.

“This is not just about power – it’s about sovereignty,” said PM Abiy. “We are building the energy independence that will fuel our future.”

With preparatory work already underway, Ethiopia positions itself as Africa’s next frontier in clean, large-scale energy innovation – blending hydro, nuclear, gas, and renewables into one of the continent’s most ambitious development blueprints.