The Long-Term Joint EU–AU Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy (LEAP-SE) has opened applications for its Joint Call 2026, a major funding opportunity supporting collaborative research and innovation between Europe and Africa in sustainable energy.
Co-funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe, the LEAP-SE Joint Call 2026 provides up to €1.5 million per project to support basic research, applied research, and experimental development that advance clean energy access, climate action, and green transition goals across both continents.
About the LEAP-SE Joint Call 2026
The LEAP-SE Joint Call 2026 is designed to strengthen long-term cooperation between the European Union and the African Union in sustainable energy research and innovation. Building on earlier LEAP-RE initiatives, the programme supports projects that span the full innovation chain, from fundamental research to market uptake.
The initiative is rooted in the AU–EU Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Partnership and guided by seven multi-annual roadmaps that reflect shared priorities in renewable energy, resilient energy systems, and inclusive energy transitions.
Programme Purpose
LEAP-SE aims to establish durable EU–Africa collaboration in renewable energy development, energy systems planning, green hydrogen, productive-use technologies, and societal engagement in energy transitions. The programme encourages interdisciplinary research that delivers scientific excellence while responding to real-world energy challenges in both regions.
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Key Thematic Priorities
Proposed projects must align with one or more of the LEAP-SE multi-annual roadmaps, which include assessment of renewable energy sources, end-of-life and second-life management of energy technologies, smart stand-alone energy systems, smart grids for off-grid applications, processes and appliances for productive uses, innovative solutions for domestic energy uses, and the production and utilisation of green hydrogen.
Why This Matters
Sustainable energy innovation is central to long-term Africa–Europe cooperation. The LEAP-SE Joint Call 2026 accelerates low-carbon transitions, expands access to renewable energy in underserved regions, strengthens research-to-market pathways, and supports green hydrogen as a strategic energy frontier. By fostering cross-continental and interdisciplinary partnerships, the programme contributes directly to climate mitigation, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive socio-economic development.
Funding Available
Projects may run for a duration of 12 to 36 months, with maximum total funding of €1.5 million per project and up to €500,000 per partner. The total indicative budget includes €13 million from participating national and regional funding organisations and €3.5 million from the European Commission. Funding rules, cost eligibility, and reporting requirements are determined by each partner’s national or regional funding agency.
Who Can Apply
- The call is open to a wide range of organisations involved in the renewable energy and sustainability ecosystem.
- Eligible applicants include universities, public and private research institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises, large companies, private sector actors, non-governmental organisations, and public authorities.
Consortium Requirements
Each proposal must be submitted by a consortium comprising at least four partners, including a minimum of two partners from different EU Member States or Horizon Europe–associated countries and two partners from African Union member states. Additional partners may participate through self-funding or LEAP-SE partner support mechanisms.
Interdisciplinary collaboration and gender-balanced research teams are strongly encouraged, and all applicants must comply with the national or regional eligibility rules of their respective funding agencies.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to confirm eligibility with their national funding agencies, align their project with at least one LEAP-SE roadmap, and develop a joint proposal outlining objectives, methodology, innovation relevance, societal impact, and gender considerations. Proposals must be submitted through the official LEAP-SE application portal and will undergo scientific, technical, and strategic evaluation before funding decisions are made.
Application Portal: https://www.leap-re.eu/leap-se-call