Ethiopia has been confirmed as the host country for the 32nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP32) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2027.

The long-confirmed “Africa COP” has seen Ethiopia and Nigeria vying for hosting rights, with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abhi Ahmed dubbing Addis Ababa “a global city in climate ambition” during September’s Africa Climate Summit. Ethiopia defeated Nigeria in a closely contested bid.

The Lagos State Government had earlier declared readiness to host the COP 32, aimed at addressingthe  challenges of climate change if Nigeria is given the hosting right. Nigeria declared its intent for COP 32, as Africa is set to host the global climate summit in two years, following Egypt’s hosting of COP 27 in 2022.

The news comes as the decision on COP31 next year remains at a stalemate. Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 with Pacific nations has been complicated by Türkiye’s continued bid for hosting rights.

Pacific nations are supportive of an Australia-Pacific COP31, and in the case of an Australia-Türkiye co-presidency, remain adamant that the Albanese government be held accountable for Australia’s position as one of the world’s major fossil fuel exporters and center Pacific demands for climate action in negotiations.

If neither Australia nor Türkiye withdraws, Germany will be forced to host the talks as per the treaty agreement.

Richard Muyungi, the group chair of the African Group of Negotiators, told AFP that African nations have endorsed the move for Ethiopia to host COP32.

He noted that the matter was discussed by the African group in a meeting last week and Ethiopia was confirmed. “The AGN has endorsed Ethiopia,” Muyungi said.

An African negotiator familiar with the bidding process, who spoke with journalists, noted that Nigeria failed to resubmit its interest when the matter was raised during the AGN meeting.

Brazil’s COP30 presidency also confirmed the decision of Ethiopia, which still requires formal approval from all parties before the conference concludes on November 21 — a step widely expected to be a formality.