By Abbas Nazil
Ethiopia has been selected to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027, defeating Nigeria in a closely contested bid.
The confirmation was made by Richard Muyingi, chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), who revealed that the decision followed a meeting where Ethiopia’s resubmitted expression of interest was endorsed.
“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 COP conferences rotates among global regions, with Africa due to take its turn in 2027.
Meanwhile, the host country for COP31 has yet to be decided, with Turkey and Australia currently under consideration.
Nigeria had earlier expressed interest in hosting COP32 in March, following a visit by Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The Federal Ministry of Environment stated via its X handle had said that hosting the global event would offer Nigeria several strategic benefits, including amplifying national and continental climate action priorities.
During the second Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced his nation’s readiness to host the event, emphasizing that Ethiopia possesses the “capacity, facilities, location, and connectivity” to stage the major climate summit.
Sources familiar with the process told journalists that Nigeria could have improved its chances if it had demonstrated stronger commitment to the bidding process.
They disclosed that the country failed to resubmit its expression of interest when the AGN revisited the matter.
So far, Africa has hosted several COPs in the past — Morocco in 2001 and 2016, Egypt in 2022, Kenya in 2006, and South Africa in 2011 — but none in West Africa.
Reacting to the development, Mohamed Adow, Director of Power Shift Africa, described Ethiopia’s selection as “great news” for the continent, saying it is vital to bring the world to the frontlines of the climate crisis.
“Africa is suffering the worst climate impacts despite contributing the least, and it’s good to bring the world to see that firsthand,” Adow said.
He added that Ethiopia’s record in hosting large international gatherings, such as African Union meetings, makes it a suitable choice for COP32.
“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 noted.
Adow highlighted Ethiopia’s leadership in renewable energy, climate resilience, and environmental restoration through initiatives such as the Green Legacy Project, which has seen billions of trees planted.
He said hosting COP32 would give Ethiopia and Africa a platform to amplify their priorities — particularly adaptation finance, renewable energy access, and climate justice.
“It can also spotlight Africa’s innovation and determination to move from vulnerability to strength in the face of global climate disruption,” Adow remarked.
