Russia and Ethiopia have signed a three-year roadmap for establishing co-operation on the construction of a nuclear power plant and a centre for nuclear science and technology in the African country. The agreement was signed by Moscow's state-run Rosatom General Director Alexei Likhachev and Addis Ababa's Innovation and Technology Minister Getahun Mecuria Kuma.

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on joint nuclear initiatives in June 2017 and the new framework would provide a path for Moscow to expand its technological influence in Africa.

A joint press release said: "The roadmap determines specific steps in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy.

"The parties plan has identified joint actions within the framework of nuclear power plant construction and center for nuclear science and technology construction projects. Thus, a foundation is laid for training personnel and raising public awareness about atomic energy."

Ethiopia’s position in the Horn of Africa has made it a coveted strategic destination for foreign powers for centuries and its GDP and population is greater than those of neighbouring Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia combined.

The Russia-Ethiopia agreement comes after US Energy Secretary Rick Perry approved six companies to begin preliminary work on advancing nuclear technology in Saudi Arabia.

The news was met with hostility in Congress, which blames Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of being behind the murder of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi and causing extensive civilian casualties in a four-year war against the Houthis in Yemen.

The move is also controversial because of the White House's hardline position in attempting to prevent further nuclear development in Iran.

Saudi Arabia and Iran both insist their nuclear programs are purely peaceful but there are growing fears of a Middle East nuclear arms.