ETHIOPIA BEATS NIGERIA TO HOST COP-32 IN 2027
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — 14 November 2025
Ethiopia has been selected to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 32) in 2027, narrowly edging out Nigeria in a high-stakes continental bid, officials confirmed on Thursday.
Richard Muyingi, Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), revealed that Ethiopia’s resubmitted expression of interest won the endorsement of the group during a meeting last week.
The decision reflects the rotational nature of COP host selections: Africa was slated to host a summit in 2027, and the AGN ultimately backed Ethiopia over Nigeria.
Nigeria had publicly expressed its ambition to host COP 32 earlier this year. In March, the country’s climate authorities renewed their bid after a visit by Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
At the Second Africa Climate Summit held in Ethiopia in September 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made an energetic pitch for his country’s candidacy. He emphasized that Ethiopia possesses the “capacity, facilities, location, and connectivity” required to host such a large-scale event.
Observers say that Ethiopia’s infrastructure, political will, and event-hosting experience gave it an edge. Some analysts, however, pointed out that Nigeria may have weakened its case by failing to resubmit its interest during internal AGN consultations.
Why It Matters:
Hosting COP 32 in Addis Ababa is a major diplomatic win for Ethiopia and elevates its role in global climate diplomacy.
For Nigeria, the loss represents a setback in its climate ambition and its dream of becoming the first West African country to host a COP.
According to climate advocacy group 350.org, Ethiopia’s selection can help amplify African voices on adaptation, finance, and climate justice ahead of 2027.
The choice of Ethiopia still requires formal approval by all UNFCCC parties, but sources say that step is expected to be a formality.
As for COP 31, the host for 2026 has yet to be decided — Australia and Turkey are currently the leading contenders.
