Building a Long-Term Africa Union (AU) and European Union (EU) Research and Innovation joint collaboration on Sustainable Renewable Energies

The main goal of this opportunity is to foster a lasting partnership between Africa and Europe in research and innovation for sustainable renewable energies. It aims to support the green transition in Sub-Saharan Africa by increasing investments in energy access and strengthening collaboration on climate change and sustainable energy. The focus is on accelerating the adoption of innovative solutions, engaging local communities, and developing both human and institutional capacities. Activities also include clustering related projects and updating research roadmaps to align with future ambitions for 2030 and 2050. The opportunity covers all African Union and European Union member states, with a special emphasis on involving African partners.

• Proposals must follow specific page limits and layout requirements.
• At least 40% of project beneficiaries must be based in African Union member states.
• Legal entities from AU and EU member states can apply.
• Projects must demonstrate both financial and operational capacity.
• Proposals should align with the goal of long-term AU-EU collaboration on sustainable renewable energies.
• Projects must show synergy with other related initiatives.

Examples:

• A project that brings together African and European universities to develop renewable energy solutions for rural communities.
• An initiative that creates a network of research centers across AU and EU countries to share knowledge and best practices in sustainable energy.
• A collaboration between local governments and innovation hubs to pilot new solar technologies and build capacity among local technicians.

• Personnel costs for staff involved in the project
• Costs for organizing and attending workshops, meetings, and training sessions
• Travel and accommodation expenses for project activities
• Equipment and materials directly related to project implementation
• Communication and dissemination activities (e.g., publications, websites)
• Subcontracting for specialized services needed for the project
• Costs related to clustering and networking with other projects
• Administrative and management costs linked to the project
• Development of research and innovation roadmaps

Restrictions: All costs must fit the lump sum funding model and directly support the project’s objectives.

• Budget for this Call: 4.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Applicants must be legal entities established in African Union or European Union member states.
• At least 40% of beneficiaries in a project consortium must be based in African Union member states.
• Both beneficiaries and affiliated entities from AU member states can receive funding.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• Proposals should align with the aims of long-term AU-EU collaboration on sustainable renewable energies.
• Projects must adhere to the application format and requirements set out by Horizon Europe.
• Further details may be found in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide and related annexes.