Nigeria edged out as Ethiopia wins bid to host COP32 in 2027

Ethiopia has been selected to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32), scheduled to take place in 2027, after edging out Nigeria in a closely contested bid.

Richard Muyingi, chair of the African group of negotiators (AGN), confirmed the development to TheCable, noting that Ethiopia’s bid was endorsed during a meeting held last week after the country resubmitted its expression 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 among different regions, with Africa due to host the high-level climate summit in 2032.

However, the host country for COP31 is still to be decided between Turkey and Australia.

In March, Nigeria announced its interest in hosting the COP32. The country’s interest picked up pace after a visit by Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

In an X post, the federal ministry of environment said, “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 announced his country’s interest in hosting COP32.

Abiy said Ethiopia has “the capacity, facilities, location and connectivity to host the much-anticipated climate summit”.

Meanwhile, negotiators familiar with the bidding process told TheCable that Nigeria could have stood a stronger chance if it had demonstrated greater commitment, especially since West Africa is yet to host a COP.

They said Nigeria failed to resubmit its interest when the matter was raised during the AGN meeting.

So far, Morocco (North Africa) has hosted the conference twice — in 2001 and 2016 — while Egypt (also in North Africa) hosted COP27 in 2022.

Kenya (East Africa) hosted COP12 in 2006, and South Africa (Southern Africa) hosted COP17 in 2011.

Reacting to the development, Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa, welcomed Ethiopia’s selection, describing it as “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 described the decision as a recognition of Ethiopia’s commitment to building resilience, expanding renewable energy, and advancing homegrown climate solutions.

He cited the country’s green legacy initiative — which has seen billions of trees planted — and its major investments in hydropower, wind, and geothermal energy as examples of its leadership in 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.”

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