LEAP Fund 2026: US$100,000–150,000 E-Mobility Grants for Non-Profits in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Ethiopia

Closing soon: the deadline is 6 November 2026 at 4:59 pm West Africa Time.

The Drive Electric Campaign (part of ClimateWorks) has opened the fourth round of the LEAP Fund (Leapfrogging to E-Mobility Acceleration Partnership). It offers grants of US$100,000–150,000 over 18 months to non-profits helping their countries switch to electric vehicles. Organisations in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Ethiopia are eligible, along with Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

You don’t need deep e-mobility experience: groups working in renewable energy, sustainable transport or environmental policy are welcome if they want to grow their role in the EV transition.

Key Details

• Funder: Drive Electric Campaign / ClimateWorks (Leapfrogging Partnership, backed by IKEA Foundation and others)
• Total pool: US$1.5 million
• Grants: US$100,000–150,000 per organisation
• Grantees: 10–12 organisations
• Project length: 18 months
• Deadline: 6 November 2026, 4:59 pm WAT (5:59 pm SAST / 6:59 pm EAT)

Benefits

• catalytic grant funding of US$100,000–150,000
• support to build coalitions, shape EV policy and engage industry
• joining a global network of e-mobility advocates working in emerging markets

Three Funding Tracks

• Track 1 – Institutional readiness and policy design: research, technical assistance and training so governments can design and adopt sound EV policies
• Track 2 – Mobilising business voices: coalitions of fleet operators, utilities and companies making the economic case for EVs
• Track 3 – A people-powered transition: engaging workers, drivers (including boda-boda and okada riders), health and youth advocates and communities in policy processes

Every project must connect to one of the key policy areas set out in the full RFP document.

Eligibility

• a non-profit or charitable organisation legally registered in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Thailand, Vietnam or the Philippines
• able to receive grant funding from a US-based organisation
• never funded by the Drive Electric Campaign before (funding from other ClimateWorks programmes is fine)

Businesses and individuals are not eligible.

How to Apply

1. Read the full RFP guidance on the official LEAP Fund 2026 page — it lists the policy areas, evaluation criteria and application questions.
2. Pick one of the three tracks and outline your activities, policy outcomes, budget and team.
3. Submit through the LEAP Fund 2026 application.
4. Do it before 6 November 2026, 4:59 pm WAT.

Questions: [email protected].

Tips

• Link your project to a concrete policy target — for example EV import duties, charging standards or electric bus procurement.
• Show your local networks with government, transport unions or businesses.
• Keep the budget realistic for 18 months.
• With only days left, focus on a clear, well-argued proposal rather than a long one.

Related Opportunities

• EEP Africa Project of the Year 2026
• SEWA Climate Grants Africa 2026
• CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027

Deadline: 6 November 2026, 4:59 pm WAT.