Web Analytics

fundsforNGOs

Grants and Resources for Sustainability

You are here: Home / Environment / RFAs: LEAP-SE Joint EU-AU Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy

RFAs: LEAP-SE Joint EU-AU Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy

Deadline: 05-Feb-2026

The LEAP-SE Joint Call 2026 supports collaborative EU–Africa research and innovation in sustainable energy, offering up to €1.5 million per project for basic research, applied research, and experimental development. The call targets renewable energy, green hydrogen, smart energy systems, productive-use technologies, and more under seven multi-annual roadmaps. Consortia must include partners from both the EU (or Horizon Europe–associated countries) and African Union countries.

LEAP-SE Joint Call 2026: EU–Africa Funding for Sustainable Energy Research and Innovation

Overview

The Long-Term Joint EU-AU Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy (LEAP-SE) has launched its Joint Call 2026, co-funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe. This competitive funding call strengthens long-term EU–Africa cooperation in sustainable energy research, builds on previous LEAP-RE initiatives, and accelerates innovation aligned with climate, energy access, and green transition goals.

Program Purpose

LEAP-SE aims to create a durable EU–Africa collaboration in renewable energy, energy systems planning, green hydrogen, technology development, and societal engagement in energy transitions. The program is grounded in the AU–EU Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Partnership and guided by seven multi-annual roadmaps that cover the full innovation chain from fundamental research to market uptake.

Key Thematic Priorities

Multi-Annual Roadmaps

Projects must align with one or more of the following seven research and innovation roadmaps:

  1. Assessment of Renewable Energy Sources

  2. End-of-Life and Second-Life Management of Energy Technologies

  3. Smart Stand-Alone Energy Systems

  4. Smart Grids for Off-Grid Applications

  5. Processes and Appliances for Productive Uses

  6. Innovative Solutions for Domestic Uses

  7. Production and Utilisation of Green Hydrogen

These areas reflect shared EU–AU priorities: advancing clean energy access, strengthening resilient energy systems, engaging society as stakeholders, modernizing energy markets, and expanding renewable energy deployment.

Why It Matters

Sustainable energy innovation is central to Africa–Europe cooperation. This call:

  • Accelerates low-carbon transitions

  • Expands renewable energy access in underserved regions

  • Enables research-to-market pathways

  • Foster interdisciplinary and cross-continental partnerships

  • Supports green hydrogen development as a strategic energy frontier

  • Strengthens scientific, technological, and policy cooperation between the EU and AU

The program directly contributes to climate mitigation, resilient infrastructure, and socio-economic development.

Funding Available

Project Size and Duration

  • Project duration: 12–36 months

  • Maximum project funding: €1.5 million

  • Maximum funding per partner: €500,000

Total Indicative Budget

  • €13 million from participating national/regional funding organizations

  • €3.5 million from the European Commission

Funding rules, cost eligibility, and reporting requirements depend on each partner’s national/regional funding agency.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Organisations

The call welcomes participation from entities across the renewable energy value chain, including:

  • Universities

  • Public and private research institutes

  • SMEs and large companies

  • Private sector entities

  • NGOs

  • Public authorities

Consortium Requirements

Minimum consortium composition:

  • At least four partners

  • Two partners from different EU or Horizon Europe–associated countries

  • Two partners from African Union member states

Additional partners may join through self-funding or LEAP-SE partner support (LGI).

Additional Notes

  • Interdisciplinary and gender-balanced teams are strongly encouraged.

  • Applicants must follow national/regional eligibility rules set by their funding agency.

  • Projects may include basic research, applied research, or experimental development.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

  1. Review Eligibility Requirements

    • Confirm national agency rules for each partner.

    • Ensure consortium composition meets EU–AU requirements.

  2. Select Relevant Roadmaps

    • Align the project with one or more of the seven LEAP-SE research priorities.

  3. Develop the Proposal

    • Define objectives, methodology, and innovation relevance.

    • Present societal value, gender considerations, and interdisciplinary components.

    • Prepare a joint budget and work plan consistent with agency funding rules.

  4. Submit Application via the LEAP-SE Portal

    • Follow all formatting instructions and deadlines.

  5. Agency and Expert Evaluation

    • Proposals undergo scientific, technical, and strategic assessment.

  6. Funding Agreement and Kick-Off

    • Each partner signs an agreement with their funding agency.

    • Projects begin after contractual approval.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a consortium that does not meet the minimum 4-partner EU–AU requirement

  • Misalignment with one of the seven roadmaps

  • Failing to comply with national funding rules (often the cause of eligibility rejections)

  • Budget inconsistencies among partners

  • Weak articulation of gender equality or societal impact

  • Overly narrow or non-interdisciplinary project design

  • Missing documentation or incomplete forms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of projects are eligible for funding?
Projects can include basic research, applied research, or experimental development in sustainable energy fields aligned with the seven LEAP-SE roadmaps.

2. How many partners are required?
At least four: two from different EU/Horizon Europe–associated countries and two from African Union countries.

3. What is the maximum funding per partner?
Up to €500,000, depending on national/regional funding rules.

4. Are businesses eligible to participate?
Yes. Companies of any size, including SMEs, may join consortia if allowed under their national funding rules.

5. Can additional partners join without requesting funding?
Yes. Self-funded partners or those supported through LEAP-SE partner LGI may join.

6. How long can a project last?
Between 12 and 36 months, depending on project scope and partner requirements.

7. Do all partners follow the same eligibility rules?
No. Each partner must comply with the rules of their respective national or regional funding agency.

Conclusion

The LEAP-SE Joint Call 2026 provides a major opportunity for EU–AU collaboration in sustainable energy research and innovation. By funding projects across renewable energy systems, green hydrogen, smart grids, productive-use technologies, and more, the initiative strengthens scientific partnerships and accelerates climate-resilient development. This call supports the entire innovation chain—from discovery to deployment—while fostering inclusive, interdisciplinary, and cross-continental cooperation essential for the global energy transition.

For more information, visit LEAP-RE.