Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has introduced an Innovation Fund that will provide grants ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 pounds to support small and growing enterprises in low- and middle-income countries. The fund aims to accelerate the green transition by leveraging mobile and digital technologies. Enterprises in Africa, Central and South America, as well as South and Southeast Asia, can access the fund to develop digital solutions that enhance clean energy access, circularity, digital inclusion, and climate action.
Selected enterprises are required to offer a minimum of 25% matching funding to be eligible for grants over a 15–18 month period, along with technical assistance. Additionally, they will receive support in connecting with investors, forming partnerships with mobile network operators, and assistance in monitoring and evaluation. The GSMA platforms will provide visibility to these enterprises.
The Innovation Fund is open to for-profit small and growing enterprises with up to 250 employees that integrate mobile or digital technology into their solutions. These enterprises must demonstrate commercial revenue and active users to qualify for the fund. Applications will be accepted from February to May 2026, with a submission deadline of April 6, 2026.
Philippe Bellordre, Acting Head of Mobile for Development at GSMA, highlighted the fund’s focus on investing in enterprises utilizing mobile and digital technology to drive digital inclusion and facilitate a clean energy transition. The fund will support innovations that promote access to clean energy and circularity in mobile devices, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
