Renewable Energy Valleys in Africa to increase energy security and energy access in Africa

The call supports demonstration projects for the establishment of decentralized "Renewable Energy Valleys" in urban and rural regions of Africa. The objective is to increase energy security and energy access through locally anchored renewable energy systems. Special emphasis is placed on socio-economic benefits such as job creation, promotion of local value chains, and stabilization of energy costs. Funding is provided for innovative concepts based on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus and principles of the circular economy. Eligible applicants are consortia consisting of at least two independent legal entities from different member states of the African Union or EU/associated countries. Public procurement entities, authorities, local or regional SMEs, NGOs, as well as municipalities may participate. Proof of land use rights or necessary permits at the time of application submission is required. The maximum funding amount is €4.5 million per project with a funding rate of up to 70% of eligible costs (personnel, material costs, travel expenses, subcontractor costs). The acquisition of real estate is not eligible for funding. Evaluation will be based on the criteria of excellence, expected impact, and quality and efficiency of implementation.

The submission deadline is 31 March 2027 at 17:00 Brussels time; the electronic application must be submitted exclusively via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Required documents include the project description, budget plan, CVs of project leaders, and a timeline (Gantt chart). Implementation takes place within Horizon Europe Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA), single-stage procedure. With this funding, the European Commission contributes to the Global Gateway strategy and to achieving climate goals within the framework of EU-AU cooperation on climate change and sustainable energy supply.