FORTHCOMING HORIZON EUROPE CALL | Renewable Energy Valleys in Africa to Increase Energy Security and Energy Access in Africa
Build the Next Generation of Renewable Energy Systems Across Africa Through EU–Africa Collaboration
The European Commission has announced a forthcoming Horizon Europe Innovation Action supporting the development of Renewable Energy Valleys in Africa.
The call seeks ambitious international consortia to demonstrate decentralised renewable energy systems that strengthen Africa's energy security, improve energy access, create local value chains and accelerate the continent's clean energy transition.
Rather than funding individual technologies alone, the programme supports integrated renewable energy ecosystems that combine innovation, infrastructure, local manufacturing, skills development and sustainable economic growth.
Projects are expected to strengthen cooperation between Europe and Africa while contributing to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and supporting long-term climate resilience across African communities.
Funding Focus
The call supports projects that can demonstrate scalable renewable energy solutions capable of delivering:
- Reliable electricity generation
- Renewable heating and cooling
- Clean fuel production
- Smart energy systems
- Local manufacturing
- Community energy resilience
- Circular economy solutions
- Climate adaptation
- Sustainable local economic development
Projects should also incorporate value-chain development, workforce skills, business models and long-term commercial sustainability.
Priority Areas
Projects may focus on:
- Renewable Energy Valleys
- Solar, wind and hybrid energy systems
- Smart grids and energy storage
- Renewable fuels
- Decentralised energy systems
- Climate resilience
- Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus
- Circular economy solutions
- Renewable energy manufacturing
- Grid reinforcement
- Community energy infrastructure
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suited to international consortia involving:
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Renewable energy companies
- Engineering firms
- Technology developers
- Utilities
- Municipalities
- African SMEs
- Innovation hubs
- NGOs
- Government agencies
- Development finance and implementation partners
African organisations are expected to play a central role, as demonstration projects will be implemented in Africa. Strong partnerships between European and African organisations will strengthen proposals.
Eligible Countries
The call supports participation from organisations established in:
European Union Member States
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Horizon Europe Associated Countries
Including the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Türkiye, Republic of Korea, Canada, Israel, Egypt, Tunisia, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Iceland, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, New Zealand and others.
Eligible African Countries
Including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Angola, Mauritius, Madagascar and many other African countries eligible under Horizon Europe participation rules.
Key Information
Programme
Horizon Europe (HORIZON)
Call
BATTERIES and ENERGY (HORIZON-CL5-2027-02)
Topic
Renewable Energy Valleys in Africa to Increase Energy Security and Energy Access in Africa
Type of Action
Horizon Europe Innovation Action (HORIZON-IA)
Status
Forthcoming
Planned Opening Date
3 December 2026
Application Deadline
31 March 2027 (17:00 Brussels Time)
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