SA-EU Dialogue Facility Opens New Opportunities for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition and Digital Transformation

South Africa and the European Union have launched the second Call for Proposals (CfP 002-2026) under the SA-EU Dialogue Facility 3.0, creating new opportunities for government institutions, academia, research centres, civil society organisations, professional associations and other stakeholders to strengthen policy dialogue and cooperation on key development priorities.

The initiative forms part of the longstanding Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union and aims to deepen collaboration on critical policy issues that support sustainable development, economic growth, innovation and inclusive governance. The Dialogue Facility continues to serve as an important mechanism for fostering evidence-based policymaking, knowledge exchange and people-to-people cooperation between South Africa and Europe.

Strengthening the SA-EU Strategic Partnership

Since its establishment in 2009, the SA-EU Dialogue Facility has supported dozens of policy dialogue interventions across multiple sectors. The current phase, running from 2025 to 2028, aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030, the Medium-Term Development Plan and the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy. It seeks to support both institutions and individuals through dialogue, capacity building, research and practical policy solutions.

The Facility places particular emphasis on youth participation, gender-responsive policymaking, inclusion, evidence-based decision-making and the development of sustainable partnerships that can generate long-term impact.

Priority One: Advancing South Africa’s Just Energy Transition

One of the flagship themes of the call is South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET), a central pillar of the country’s climate and economic transformation agenda. The priority seeks to support policy dialogues that accelerate South Africa’s transition towards a low-carbon economy while ensuring that communities and workers are not left behind.

Areas of focus include:

• Accelerating renewable energy deployment and grid expansion.
• Supporting coal-dependent communities through reskilling and job creation.
• Developing green hydrogen value chains and critical mineral beneficiation.
• Promoting economic diversification and green industrialisation.
• Strengthening energy security through policy reforms and private-sector participation.
• Expanding green logistics and renewable energy infrastructure.

The broader framework also encompasses climate governance, energy system transformation, climate finance, climate adaptation, decarbonisation strategies, biodiversity management and regional energy cooperation within Southern Africa.

Priority Two: Building a Digitally Connected Future

The second major priority focuses on Digital Connectivity and Infrastructure, reflecting the growing importance of digital technologies in economic development, governance and social inclusion. South Africa and the European Union have identified digital transformation as a strategic area of cooperation aimed at closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to digital opportunities.

Policy dialogue projects can address several critical areas, including:

Digital Connectivity and Inclusion

This area seeks to expand access to digital technologies and services across urban and rural communities while supporting innovation, investment and digital participation across government, business and education sectors.

Digital Governance and Cybersecurity

South Africa continues to modernise its digital regulatory frameworks in areas such as cybersecurity, data protection, e-commerce and digital interoperability. The SA-EU partnership aims to support stronger governance systems, improved regulatory alignment and enhanced digital resilience.

Innovation and the Digital Economy

The programme encourages dialogue on digital entrepreneurship, startup ecosystems, MSME digitalisation, e-commerce growth and skills development required for the digital economy of the future.

Broadband and Infrastructure Development

Broadband rollout, spectrum management, infrastructure sharing, regional connectivity and investment planning remain key priorities for creating a secure and sustainable digital ecosystem.

Public Digital Infrastructure

The initiative also supports the development of e-government services, digital identity systems, public digital infrastructure and the digitisation of public services to improve governance and service delivery.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics

With Artificial Intelligence transforming economies globally, the Dialogue Facility recognises the importance of responsible AI governance, digital rights, ethical technology deployment and building public trust in emerging technologies.

Encouraging Inclusive and Sustainable Development

Across all priority areas, the Dialogue Facility promotes cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, youth empowerment, future skills development, indigenous knowledge systems, public sector reform, innovation, public-private partnerships and regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Projects that demonstrate strong stakeholder participation, scalable solutions, long-term sustainability and meaningful engagement between South African and European partners are expected to receive favourable consideration.

Funding and Application Process

The overall indicative budget available under the call is €500,000, with individual proposals eligible for funding of up to €100,000. Supported projects must be implementation-ready, focused, demand-driven and completed within a maximum period of 12 months. Funding is provided through technical assistance, research support, workshops, conferences, study visits, knowledge-sharing initiatives and other dialogue-related activities.

Eligible applicants include public institutions, universities, think tanks, research centres, chambers of commerce, professional associations, labour organisations and civil society organisations. Non-state actors must partner with a South African government department and secure the necessary endorsement.

The deadline for concept note submissions is 15 July 2026, following an information session and proposal development support process designed to assist applicants in preparing competitive proposals.

Driving Shared Prosperity Through Dialogue

As South Africa and the European Union continue to deepen their strategic partnership, the Dialogue Facility represents more than a funding mechanism. It is a platform for collaboration, innovation and policy development that seeks to generate practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing both partners.

By focusing on energy transition, digital transformation and inclusive development, the programme provides an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute directly to shaping policies that will influence South Africa’s economic, social and environmental future while strengthening ties with Europe.