LEAP-SE Joint Call 2026 (AU-EU Collaborative R&I Projects)

LEAP-SE consortium members are launching the second edition of a transnational joint Call for proposals in 2026, co-funded by European and African national/regional research funding agencies (members of the LEAP-SE consortium), following the first call launched in 2025. The selected projects will focus on achieving goals of mutual benefit based on a balanced and cooperative approach. Particular attention will be given to strengthening the impact of R&I-supported activities for the well-being of society in Europe and Africa.

Key Details:

• Total Budget: ~€15.5 Million (€12M from national funders + €3.5M from the European Commission).

• Project Funding: Up to €1.5 Million per project.

• Transnational consortia are required.

  • Minimum 4 countries (at least 2 from AU, 2 from EU/Horizon Europe associated countries).

  • Must include at least one research institution and one private sector partner.

• For Egypt: The Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) is a participating funding organization.

Important Dates:

• Call Publication: November 19, 2025

• Pre-proposal Deadline: February 5, 2026

• Project Start: April 2027

Mandatory Registration:

• English Webinar: November 24, 2025 (10:00 CET)

• French Webinar: December 8, 2025 (13:30 CET)

Get all the details, including thematic areas and webinar registration links, from the official pre-announcement: Click Here