Deadline: February 5, 2026
The LEAP-SE Call 2026 has officially been launched as part of the Long-Term Joint European Union (EU) – African Union (AU) Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy (LEAP-SE). This new call represents a continued effort to strengthen collaboration between Europe and Africa in developing sustainable, inclusive, and innovative energy solutions.
The LEAP-SE Call 2026 invites project proposals that address sustainable energy challenges through collaborative research and innovation across the EU and AU. It aims to build on the achievements of previous LEAP-RE initiatives, advancing global efforts toward clean energy access and climate resilience.
Objectives of the LEAP-SE Call 2026
The LEAP-SE Call 2026 seeks to promote joint EU–Africa research and innovation activities focusing on sustainable energy systems. Its primary objectives include:
- Strengthening scientific cooperation between European and African research institutions.
- Supporting projects that address energy access, renewable integration, and green technology innovation.
- Encouraging inclusive energy solutions that meet the developmental and environmental needs of both continents.
- Building long-term partnerships to advance the global transition towards a sustainable energy future.
Scope and Thematic Areas
Projects funded under this call will target a range of sustainable energy themes, including but not limited to:
- Renewable Energy Sources and Integration – development and optimisation of on-grid and off-grid systems.
- Smart Energy Systems and Digital Innovation – deployment of intelligent and data-driven solutions for energy management.
- Green Hydrogen Technologies – production, storage, and utilisation of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel.
- End-of-Life and Second-Life Management – recycling, re-use, and sustainable lifecycle management of energy system components.
- Productive and Domestic Energy Uses – improving energy access for productive sectors and households.
Projects may range from basic research to applied and experimental development, with durations of 12 to 36 months.
Eligibility and Consortium Requirements
To ensure balanced collaboration, eligible proposals must be submitted by international consortia comprising:
- At least two independent legal entities from different EU Member States or Horizon Europe associated countries; and
- At least two independent legal entities from different African Union countries.
Furthermore, each consortium must include at least one research or academic institution and one commercial or private-sector partner. This structure ensures that research outputs are both scientifically sound and practically applicable.
Funding and Budget
The total indicative budget for the LEAP-SE Call 2026 is approximately €13 million, contributed by participating national and regional funding agencies, with an additional €3.5 million provided by the European Commission.
Funding conditions and eligibility criteria vary according to the national or regional funding organisation supporting each partner. Applicants are advised to consult their respective funding agencies’ regulations and guidelines prior to submission.
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Publication of Call | 19 November 2025 |
| Pre-proposal Submission Deadline | 5 February 2026 (16:00 CET) |
| Communication of Pre-proposal Results | 29 April 2026 |
| Full Proposal Submission Deadline | 24 June 2026 (16:00 CEST) |
| Notification of Results | Mid-November 2026 |
| Project Start (latest possible) | 1 April 2027 |
Submission and Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the official LEAP-SE electronic submission system. The submission process involves two mandatory stages:
- Pre-Proposal Stage – applicants must first submit a concise pre-proposal outlining project objectives, partnerships, and alignment with the LEAP-SE thematic areas.
- Full Proposal Stage – shortlisted consortia will be invited to submit a comprehensive full proposal following evaluation of the pre-proposal phase.
Detailed guidelines, templates, and eligibility documents are provided in the call documentation available on the programme’s official webpage.
Expected Impact
The LEAP-SE Call 2026 is designed to stimulate innovation that drives socio-economic development and supports a sustainable energy transition across Africa and Europe. By fostering equitable partnerships, the call contributes to:
- Advancing renewable energy technologies suitable for regional contexts.
- Enhancing research capacity and technology transfer between the EU and AU.
- Promoting gender inclusion and youth engagement in sustainable energy initiatives.
- Strengthening policies and frameworks for clean energy implementation.
Conclusion
The LEAP-SE Call 2026 provides a strategic opportunity for researchers, innovators, and organisations across Europe and Africa to collaborate on impactful projects that support clean energy access and sustainability. With substantial funding and a strong focus on partnership, the call plays a vital role in advancing global energy transition goals.
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