Opening of the LEAP-SE 2026 Call Signals Fresh Pathways for South African Higher Education Institutions
The Long-Term Joint EU-AU Research and Innovation Partnership on Sustainable Energy, known as LEAP-SE, has officially opened its 2026 joint call for proposals. This development creates meaningful opportunities for South African universities and research entities to engage in collaborative projects focused on sustainable energy solutions. The call builds directly on the earlier LEAP-RE programme and emphasises transnational partnerships between European and African institutions.
South African participation is coordinated through the National Research Foundation and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. These bodies align the call with national priorities in the energy sector, including the just energy transition and expansion of renewable capacity. Universities across the country stand to benefit from access to co-funded research that supports both basic and applied work in areas such as renewable technologies, energy access, and climate-resilient systems.
Understanding the Scope and Objectives of the LEAP-SE Partnership
LEAP-SE represents a six-year initiative co-funded by the European Commission under Horizon Europe. It seeks to establish enduring research and innovation ties between the European Union and the African Union in the field of sustainable energy. The programme addresses the shared challenge of climate change while supporting reliable, clean energy access for populations on both continents.
Projects funded under the 2026 call will span 12 to 36 months and cover basic research, applied research, and experimental development. Consortia must include partners from at least four countries across Europe and Africa. This structure encourages genuine cross-continental collaboration rather than one-sided knowledge transfer.
The partnership framework draws from the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy component of the AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation. South African higher education institutions can leverage this structure to strengthen their international profiles and contribute to continent-wide solutions.
South Africa’s Active Role Through National Funding Bodies and Universities
The National Research Foundation serves as the primary contact point for South African applicants. Together with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, it ensures that local eligibility rules are met and that projects align with national development goals. South African universities such as the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, University of the Witwatersrand, and University of Pretoria have established strengths in energy-related research that position them well for participation.
These institutions already host research centres focused on renewable energy, smart grids, and energy policy. The LEAP-SE call provides a structured route to expand these efforts through joint funding with European counterparts. Participation can also support postgraduate training and postdoctoral opportunities, helping to build the next generation of energy researchers in South Africa.
Key Themes and Research Priorities for the 2026 Call
The call invites proposals across a range of sustainable energy topics. Priority areas include renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency measures, energy storage solutions, and off-grid systems that improve access in underserved communities. Projects that integrate social, economic, and environmental dimensions receive particular encouragement.
South African researchers can propose work that addresses local challenges such as integrating variable renewable sources into the national grid or developing affordable clean cooking solutions. Collaboration with European partners brings complementary expertise in policy frameworks, advanced materials, and large-scale demonstration projects.
Experimental development components allow for technology validation and pilot studies, which are especially valuable for translating research into practical outcomes within South African contexts.
Application Process, Timelines, and Eligibility Requirements
The call was published on 19 November 2025. Pre-proposals were due by 5 February 2026, with full proposals required by 24 June 2026. Two-stage evaluation ensures that only the strongest consortia advance to the final round.
Eligibility requires consortia from at least four participating countries, with balanced representation from Europe and Africa. South African entities must comply with National Research Foundation rules regarding institutional registration and researcher qualifications. Universities, research institutes, and certain non-profit organisations qualify as eligible participants.
Applicants should consult the official call documents on the LEAP-RE platform for detailed national rules and budget parameters. Early engagement with the National Research Foundation is recommended to clarify any South Africa-specific requirements.
Benefits for South African Universities and Research Capacity
Successful projects deliver direct funding for research activities, equipment, and researcher mobility. Beyond financial support, participation strengthens institutional networks and enhances visibility in global energy research communities.
South African universities gain opportunities to co-supervise postgraduate students across borders and to access European research infrastructures. These exchanges support skills development in critical areas such as data analytics for energy systems and socio-technical energy modelling.
The call also aligns with broader national objectives around human capital development in science and technology. Institutions that secure funding can demonstrate impact in internationalisation and research excellence metrics used in national evaluations.
Potential Challenges and Strategies for Successful Participation
Forming balanced consortia across continents requires time and relationship building. South African researchers may need to invest in preliminary networking through existing platforms such as the Africa-Europe Innovation Partnership.
Administrative coordination between different national funding rules can add complexity. Clear communication with the National Research Foundation and partner agencies helps mitigate these issues. Institutions are advised to start consortium formation well ahead of deadlines.
Capacity constraints at some universities, including administrative support for international grants, may require internal investment. Larger research-intensive universities often have dedicated international offices that can assist smaller partners through sub-contracting arrangements.
Broader Implications for South Africa’s Energy Transition and Higher Education
Research outcomes from LEAP-SE projects can inform policy and practice in South Africa’s ongoing energy transition. Findings on decentralised renewable systems, for example, may support municipal-level planning and rural electrification efforts.
At the higher education level, the call contributes to curriculum development and the creation of new specialised programmes. Exposure to international standards and methodologies strengthens the quality of teaching and research training.
Long-term, sustained participation in such partnerships positions South African universities as key nodes in global knowledge networks, attracting further investment and talent.
Looking Ahead: Future Calls and Sustained Collaboration
The 2026 call represents the second edition under the LEAP-SE framework, with additional opportunities anticipated in subsequent years. Institutions that engage now build the foundations for continued involvement.
Monitoring outcomes of the first call, launched in 2025, will provide valuable lessons for prospective applicants. Success stories from South African teams can serve as models for others seeking to enter the partnership.
Overall, the opening of the LEAP-SE 2026 call underscores the growing importance of international research collaboration in addressing shared global challenges through higher education institutions in South Africa.
