AFRA (African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology) is an international agreement between African countries in 1990.

This is an agreement that was made to expand manpower development mainly by introducing Africa to peaceful research and applications of nuclear science and technology especially in agriculture, energy sources, health, manufacturing, mining and other sectors.

Since the founding of AFRA, African governments have been following up on the continent by expanding cancer treatment centers, conducting human resource development activities, supporting the tax sector, supporting research and collaborating with allied governments and organizations to do special projects.

Our country Ethiopia has been receiving technical and financial support from the agency (IAEA) including various trainings to expand radiation treatment centers, control Tse tse fly and prevent live cattle diseases, protect animal health and upgrade agricultural production and productivity, and research and national efforts to support radiation prevention work.

In order to support the projects that are being started in African countries, there is a need for permanent advocacy and follow-up work. It is created because it is necessary to expand and create capacity like AFRA.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held its annual general conference in Vienna in September 2024 Dr. Belete Mola has been given the responsibility to serve as AFRA chairman for one year. Following the fact that he has been given a bilateral meeting with the ambassadors of countries (based in Vienna) who support AFRA in financial and technical cooperation, as well as leaders of organizations.

With Japan, China, India, Pakistan, Sweden, America, France, Brazil, European Union (EU) Ambassadors and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) leaders from April 28 to May 02/2017. M (May 6-9 2025) they have finished the discussion they have been holding.

In their discussion, in addition to improving AFRA's performance and widening its reach, the country and organizations have emphasized to strengthen the support they have been providing to AFRA member countries and to create new support frameworks.

Dr. Belete has called on African countries to support more efforts to prevent cancer, increase agricultural production, increase human training, increase safety and security capacity.

It was mentioned that allied organizations and the country have been supporting AFRA member countries in the nuclear science and technology sectors for manpower building, laboratory equipment support and technical cooperation. During the discussion, it is clear that they have promised to continue their support in new sectors.

In addition, Dr. Belete Mola listened to the report of the work done by two AFRA committees (Human Resource Development and Nuclear Knowledge Management Committee -- HLSC and AFRA Program Management and Partnership Committee -- PMPC) and commented on the proposed conclusion points to improve the performance of AFRA and expand its reach. Directions have been set.