Ethiopia has been chosen to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32), which will be held in 2027, after narrowly defeating Nigeria in a very competitive bid.
Richard Muyingi, chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), confirmed the news to TheCable, stating that Ethiopia’s offer was approved at a meeting last week after the country resubmitted its statement of interest.
“The matter was discussed by the African group in a meeting last week, and Ethiopia was confirmed as the host of COP32,” Muyingi said.
The hosting of COPs rotates across regions, with Africa set to host the high-level climate meeting in 2032.
However, the host country for COP31 is still being determined between Turkey and Australia.
In March, Nigeria expressed interest in hosting the COP32. The country’s interest grew following a visit from Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The federal ministry of environment stated in an X post that “hosting the UN COP will provide several strategic benefits to Nigeria, including emphasising priority areas in climate action at both continental and national levels”.
During the second Africa climate summit in Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his country’s interest in hosting COP32.
Abiy indicated that Ethiopia possessed “the capacity, facilities, location and connectivity to host the much-anticipated climate summit” .
Meanwhile, negotiators acquainted with the bidding process told TheCable that Nigeria would have had a better chance if it had shown more commitment, especially because West Africa had yet to host a COP.
They said Nigeria failed to resubmit its interest when the issue was discussed at the AGN meeting.
Morocco (North Africa) has hosted the conference twice, in 2001 and 2016, with Egypt (also in North Africa) hosting COP27 in 2022.
Kenya (East Africa) held COP12 in 2006, whereas South Africa (Southern Africa) hosted COP17 in 2011.
Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa, praised Ethiopia’s decision, calling it “great news” for the continent.
“Africa really is the front line of the climate crisis. It is suffering the worst impacts despite contributing the least, and it’s therefore good to bring the world to see that firsthand,” Adow said.
He noted that Ethiopia is well-positioned to host a successful summit, given its experience in convening major gatherings such as the annual African Union meetings.
“Ethiopia is a good choice; as host nation, it will be motivated to deliver a strong outcome that truly helps those facing the impacts of climate breakdown,” he added.
Adow praised the decision as a recognition of Ethiopia’s commitment to resilience building, renewable energy expansion, and domestic climate solutions development.
He noted the country’s green legacy effort, which has resulted in the planting of billions of trees, as well as significant investments in hydropower, wind, and geothermal energy, as examples of its commitment to sustainable development.
“As host of the next COP, Ethiopia now has a vital platform to amplify African voices and priorities, particularly around adaptation finance, renewable energy access, and climate justice,” Adow said.
“It can also spotlight Africa’s innovation and determination to move from vulnerability to strength in the face of global climate disruption.”
