AU and EU Will Advance Research Partnerships by 2026
The African Union and European Union will adopt new strategic roadmaps to enhance food security and climate resilience.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Nutrition
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The African Union and European Union are formalizing multi-year research roadmaps to address critical gaps in food security and climate change. These collaborative partnerships, set for endorsement in October 2026, aim to strengthen rural development and environmental resilience across both continents.
Why it matters
These strategic partnerships are designed to synchronize scientific efforts to improve access to safe food and raise rural incomes. By leveraging joint funding, the initiatives support large-scale climate adaptation and energy efficiency projects that require transnational cooperation.
A review of 267 FNSSA projects shows a total budget of nearly EUR 1 billion, with EUR 575 million dedicated to sustainable intensification. Additionally, LEAP-RE and LEAP-SE programs have mobilized over EUR 50 million through four calls since 2021.
The players
African Union
This continental body works to promote unity and international cooperation among African member states.
European Union
This political and economic union of member states coordinates legislative and research policies across Europe.
The details
The collaboration utilizes the AU-EU International Research Consortium to operationalize research goals and coordinate joint calls for proposals. These efforts integrate expertise from over 70 African entities across 23 countries, focusing on translating scientific research into actionable rural development and climate mitigation strategies.
Timeline
The CCSE partnership began funding research projects in 2017.
The LEAP-RE program initiated its first joint research calls in 2021.
A transnational call for the CS4RRA initiative was launched in 2025.
A ministerial meeting in October 2026 will see the launch of a new LEAP Energy+ startup studio.
A Horizon Europe pan-African climate co-fund is scheduled to begin in early 2028.
The Big Picture
These new research initiatives follow the operational model established by the AU-EU International Research Consortium. By integrating disparate national research goals into a unified roadmap, the partnerships mark a significant step toward harmonized scientific collaboration.
These research programs will improve food stability and climate resilience, indirectly benefiting global populations by strengthening the agricultural supply chain. Readers may see long-term improvements in the availability of sustainable food sources as these innovations scale.
The takeaway
The formalization of these research roadmaps signals a commitment to data-driven climate and agricultural policy between the two continents. Continued cooperation will likely focus on transitioning research findings into commercial startups and scalable energy solutions by 2028.
What happens next
The second AU-EU R&I Ministerial Meeting will convene in October 2026 to endorse a new 2027-2036 roadmap. Following this, the LEAP Energy+ program will launch a startup studio, and a EUR 30 million Horizon Europe pan-African climate co-fund is slated to begin operations in early 2028.
Further reading
For additional context on food security and global research initiatives, visit the Nutrition section.
More information
View the comprehensive Africa-EU research project database for further details on current project outcomes.
Live Poll
Do you believe international research partnerships are an effective way to improve food and energy security?
