‘Africa’s moment for climate leadership’ — Ethiopia affirms readiness to host COP32

Ethiopia has reaffirmed its readiness to host the 32nd United Nations climate change conference of the parties (COP32).

The country’s bid to host the high-level event was endorsed by the Africa Group of Negotiators (AGN) at the ongoing COP30 in Brazil, positioning Ethiopia as the continent’s consensus choice to host the 2027 UN climate talks.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, Fitsum Assefa, Ethiopia’s minister of planning and development, said the endorsement reflects Africa’s unity and the momentum generated after the second African Climate Summit in Addis Ababa.

Assefa said the summit will be “Africa’s moment for global climate leadership”, and that COP32 will be pivotal as it marks the midpoint of NDC implementation and sets the tone ahead of the next global stocktake at COP33.

“COP32 will be a global gathering to address the climate emergency. We assure you it will deliver a robust, meaningful outcome through an inclusive process where all voices are heard,” Assefa said.

She noted that early endorsement gives Ethiopia a strategic advantage to begin logistical and technical preparations, with the government already working closely with the UNFCCC secretariat, parties, civil society and local communities.

Assefa said Ethiopia would work constructively with the COP30 and incoming COP31 presidencies to ensure “coherence, unity and increased ambition” across the negotiating process.

“Africa stands ready, and Ethiopia is prepared to lead with responsibility, humility and determination,” she said.

COPs are traditionally rotated among UN regions, with Africa expected to host the 2027 edition. The host country for COP31 has yet to be decided, with Turkey and Australia still vying for the slot.

Earlier in March, Nigeria publicly signaled interest in hosting the conference but did not formally submit a bid to the UNFCCC. This left Ethiopia as the consensus choice, receiving the endorsement of the Africa Group of Negotiators (AGN) and other blocs.

Ethiopia’s selection means COP32 will be the second time an East African nation hosts the summit, after Kenya hosted COP12 in 2006 — while no West African country has hosted the high-level climate event.

This report was produced with support from Sahara Group and the Kaduna state government