Newsbreak: Ethiopia defeats Nigeria to host COP32 Climate Summit
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Africa Group of Negotiators has endorsed Ethiopia as the continent’s candidate to host the UN’s COP32 climate summit in 2027.
The East African county has edged out Nigeria.
According to Richard Muyungi, the group’s chair, “The AGN has endorsed Ethiopia.” This development comes after Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed interest in hosting the conference at the Second Africa Climate Summit.
The Brazilian presidency of COP30, currently underway in Belém, has confirmed the African countries’ choice. Although the decision still needs to be officially adopted by all nations during the conference, it’s expected to be a formality.
Rukiya Khamis, Africa senior organizer at (link unavailable), welcomed the announcement, saying, “We welcome the announcement of COP32 in Ethiopia and look forward to elevating Africa’s climate priorities and leadership.”
The hosting rights for COP32 were contested between Ethiopia and Nigeria, with Ethiopia’s bid receiving unanimous backing from the Bureau of African Countries.
The conference will be a significant milestone for Ethiopia and the continent, reinforcing Africa’s role in shaping international climate policy.
However, the hosting rights for COP31 in 2026 remain uncertain, with Australia and Turkey vying for the slot.
Australia has proposed hosting the conference in Adelaide in partnership with the Pacific Islands, while Turkey is pushing for Antalya.
Negotiations are ongoing, and if no agreement is reached, the conference may be held at the UN Climate Change headquarters in Bonn, Germany.
“We welcome the announcement of COP32 in Ethiopia,” reflects the growing recognition of Africa’s climate priorities and its role in advancing equitable global climate governance.
