Ethiopia has been selected to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP32, in 2027, emerging ahead of Nigeria in what officials described as a closely contested bid. The announcement was confirmed by Richard Muyingi, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators, who stated that the decision came after Ethiopia’s re-submitted expression of interest received unanimous endorsement.
The COP hosting rights rotate among global regions, and 2027 marks Africa’s turn to stage the world’s biggest climate gathering. Ethiopia’s successful bid positions it as the next African host, adding to the continent’s growing role in climate diplomacy.
Meanwhile, the venue for COP31 remains undecided, with Turkey and Australia still under consideration.
Nigeria had earlier declared its intention to host COP32 back in March, following a visit by Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Despite strong lobbying, Nigeria ultimately lost the bid to Ethiopia.
At the second Africa Climate Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted his country’s readiness, stressing that Ethiopia has the infrastructure, security, and international connectivity needed to host a global summit of this scale.
Africa has previously hosted COP conferences in Morocco (2001 and 2016), South Africa (2011), and Egypt (2022), but the region is yet to see the event held in West Africa.
Ethiopia’s victory now sets the stage for a landmark climate gathering in East Africa come 2027.
