GSMA Innovation Fund Offers £200,000 to Bridge Digital Divide in Emerging Markets

Nearly three billion people – about 38% of the global population – remain excluded from the digital economy despite living in areas covered by mobile broadband. Barriers such as the high cost of devices, unreliable electricity, and limited digital skills continue to keep millions offline.

In Africa, the challenge is even more pronounced. An estimated 960 million people have network coverage but do not use mobile internet, while nearly 80% of telecom towers in off-grid and weak-grid locations still rely on diesel power. This highlights a growing reality: digital inclusion and energy access are deeply interconnected and must be addressed together.

To tackle this, the GSMA has opened applications for its Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile. The fund targets for-profit small and growing enterprises across Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia.

Selected companies can receive grants of up to £200,000, alongside technical support, bootcamp training, investor connections, and global visibility through GSMA platforms and events.

The fund focuses on two key areas. The first is clean energy solutions that enable digital access – including mini-grids, renewable energy for telecom towers, and smart energy systems that improve affordability and reliability. The second is device circularity, supporting business models such as phone repair, refurbishment, leasing, and responsible recycling to make handsets more affordable and environmentally sustainable.

Eligible applicants must demonstrate innovative, scalable, and commercially viable solutions with measurable impact on underserved communities.

The application deadline is April 6, 2026, offering a timely opportunity for startups to drive both digital and energy transformation. HERE