Deadline: 27-Aug-2026
The European Commission is inviting proposals to strengthen the role of civil society organizations and local communities in South Africa’s green and just energy transition. With a total budget of EUR 2.55 million, the call supports initiatives that promote renewable energy, sustainable local economic development, skills development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive participation in energy planning and decision-making.
About the Call
This call for proposals aims to support civil society organizations and local stakeholders in contributing to South Africa’s transition toward a low-carbon and inclusive economy. The initiative aligns with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy and South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) and Implementation Plan.
The programme seeks to ensure that the shift to cleaner energy systems creates sustainable economic opportunities while supporting communities, workers, and businesses affected by the transition.
Funding Information
- Total Indicative Budget: EUR 2.55 million
- Grant Size: EUR 800,000 – EUR 1,200,000
- EU Co-financing Rate: 50% to 95% of eligible project costs
- Geographic Focus: South Africa
- Priority Provinces:
- Mpumalanga
- Limpopo
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
Projects operating in these provinces may receive priority consideration.
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen civil society participation in energy planning processes
- Support a fair and inclusive energy transition
- Promote sustainable local economic development
- Improve transparency and accountability in energy governance
- Enhance community participation in investment planning
- Encourage renewable energy development and expansion
- Support economic diversification and alternative livelihoods
- Improve employment and entrepreneurship opportunities
Priority Areas
Supported actions may include:
- Renewable energy generation, transmission, distribution, and storage
- Community participation in local, district, provincial, and national energy planning
- Skills development and workforce transition programmes
- Green economy job creation initiatives
- Youth and women entrepreneurship programmes
- Sustainable local economic investment planning
- Resource mobilization and monitoring mechanisms
- Awareness and understanding of the Global Gateway Investment Package
- Support for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan
- Inclusive infrastructure and connectivity planning
Who is Eligible?
Eligible lead applicants must be non-profit civil society organizations, including:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Women’s organizations
- Youth organizations
- Trade unions
- Cooperatives
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Non-profit media organizations
- Other eligible civil society entities
Applicants must be legally established in:
- South Africa
- European Union Member States
- Other eligible countries under the NDICI-Global Europe framework
Partnership Requirements
Organizations established outside South Africa must partner with at least one South African co-applicant.
The programme strongly encourages partnerships involving:
- Civil society organizations
- Municipalities and local authorities
- Businesses and private sector actors
- Financial institutions
- Traditional leaders
- Community groups
- Research and academic institutions
Collaborative approaches are expected to strengthen project impact and ensure inclusive decision-making.
Why This Funding Matters
South Africa’s energy transition presents both opportunities and challenges for communities, workers, and local economies. As the country moves toward cleaner energy systems, there is a growing need to ensure that economic benefits are shared fairly and that vulnerable communities are not left behind.
This programme supports initiatives that:
- Create green jobs and livelihood opportunities
- Strengthen local economies
- Promote social inclusion
- Support affected workers and communities
- Increase participation in policy and planning processes
- Advance sustainable and equitable development
How to Apply
- Review the eligibility and partnership requirements.
- Develop a project aligned with the programme’s objectives and priority areas.
- Establish partnerships with relevant South African stakeholders where required.
- Prepare a detailed implementation plan, budget, and expected outcomes.
- Demonstrate how the project will contribute to a just and inclusive energy transition.
- Submit the application with all required supporting documents before the deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly link project activities to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition goals.
- Demonstrate meaningful community participation and stakeholder engagement.
- Include practical strategies for job creation and economic diversification.
- Show measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability.
- Prioritize benefits for women, youth, and affected communities.
- Build strong partnerships across sectors to strengthen impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding is available under this call?
The total indicative budget is EUR 2.55 million.
What is the minimum and maximum grant size?
Grant requests must range between EUR 800,000 and EUR 1,200,000.
Who can apply?
Eligible non-profit civil society organizations, including NGOs, trade unions, cooperatives, universities, research institutions, and non-profit media organizations.
Is a South African partner required?
Yes. Applicants established outside South Africa must partner with at least one South African co-applicant.
Which sectors are prioritized?
Renewable energy, sustainable local economic development, green jobs, entrepreneurship, skills development, and community participation in energy planning.
Which regions receive priority consideration?
Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Conclusion
The European Commission’s call for proposals provides significant funding for civil society-led initiatives that support South Africa’s green and just energy transition. By promoting renewable energy, economic diversification, community participation, and inclusive development, the programme aims to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy creates lasting benefits for workers, communities, and future generations.
For more information, visit European Commission.