The GSMA has launched the Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile, a grant programme that provides targeted support to small and growing enterprises in Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia.
Applications are open until 6 April 2026, with full terms and conditions available on the official GSMA website.
The fund addresses two interconnected development priorities: expanding digital inclusion through reliable and affordable mobile connectivity and accelerating access to clean energy solutions.
By focusing on innovative business models at this intersection, the programme seeks to enable productive use of energy, reduce emissions in the mobile value chain, and improve affordability of digital devices in underserved markets.
Core Objectives of the Fund
The programme targets for-profit enterprises developing commercially viable solutions in two priority areas:
-
Enabling Digital Inclusion Through Clean Energy Access
- Business models that overcome barriers of energy affordability and reliability to support mobile connectivity and productive energy use.
- Eligible solutions include asset financing for energy access, smart metering systems, energy efficiency technologies, small-scale mini-grids or mesh grids, and other renewable energy innovations that directly or indirectly facilitate mobile device usage and digital service adoption.
-
Increasing Device Circularity, Reducing Value Chain Emissions, and Improving Handset Affordability
- Circular economy services focused on repair, refurbishment, and recovery of mobile devices to extend product lifespans and lower environmental impact.
- Initiatives that recover, repair, and refurbish dormant or end-of-life handsets to increase the supply of lower-cost, functional devices and improve accessibility for low-income users.
The fund prioritises scalable models capable of demonstrating commercial traction and measurable environmental or social impact.
Eligibility Priorities and Target Participants
Applications are particularly encouraged from organisations that demonstrate:
- Strong Female Representation: Female-founded, female-led, or entities with significant female participation across leadership, technical, and operational roles.
- Local Leadership and Capacity Building: Locally led organisations or those with a strong in-country presence and a clear commitment to upskilling and promoting local staff.
- Strategic Alignment with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs): Solutions with a compelling value proposition for partnerships with MNOs, especially those that already maintain existing relationships with operators.
READ ALSO:
How Angel Investors Are Powering Early-Stage Climate Innovation in Africa
The programme is open to enterprises at various stages of growth, provided they can demonstrate a credible path to scalability and sustainability.
Support Provided to Selected Grantees
Successful applicants will receive:
- Grant Funding: Between £100,000 and £200,000 per project.
- Capacity-Building Programmes: Participation in bootcamps for peer learning, knowledge exchange with grantees and alumni, and technical assistance.
- Investment Readiness Support: Connections to investors and ecosystem stakeholders to facilitate follow-on financing.
- Visibility and Advocacy: Opportunities for exposure through GSMA publications, events, and industry platforms.
This comprehensive support package is intended to accelerate innovation, de-risk early scaling, and position grantees for long-term commercial viability.
Strategic Rationale and Broader Context
The GSMA’s decision to invest in this area reflects the recognition that mobile connectivity and clean energy access are mutually reinforcing priorities in emerging markets.
Reliable power remains a critical constraint to mobile device adoption and usage, particularly in off-grid and underserved regions.
At the same time, the mobile industry’s value chain, including device manufacturing, distribution, and end-of-life management, generates environmental impacts that require circular and low-carbon solutions.
By supporting enterprises at this intersection, the fund aims to:
- Enable productive use of energy through mobile-enabled services (e.g., digital payments, agritech, remote work).
- Reduce emissions associated with device production and disposal.
- Improve affordability and access to mobile connectivity for low-income populations.
- Catalyse private-sector innovation that aligns with climate action and financial inclusion objectives.
Future Outlook
The GSMA Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile targets enterprises developing scalable solutions that link clean energy access with digital inclusion or advance device circularity to reduce emissions and improve handset affordability.
By providing grant funding, technical assistance, investor connections, and visibility, the programme supports businesses capable of delivering both commercial viability and measurable impact.
Applications remain open until 6 April 2026. Organisations with strong female representation, local leadership, or existing mobile network operator relationships are particularly encouraged to apply.
For detailed eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and terms, refer to the official GSMA programme page.
This initiative reflects the GSMA’s strategic commitment to promoting innovation that advances both connectivity and sustainability across emerging markets.
GSMA Overview
The Device Circularity Framework developed by GSMA guides mobile operators and manufacturers on extending device lifecycles through repair, refurbishment, reuse, and recycling to reduce e-waste and emissions.
GSMA climate action initiatives support the mobile industry’s transition to net zero through research, reporting standards, and decarbonisation strategies. Tools such as the GSMA Climate Action Toolkit and the GSMA Climate Action app help operators measure emissions and align with science-based targets.
Through its broader GSMA sustainability agenda, the organisation addresses energy efficiency, circular economy practices, and responsible supply chains. The Climate Action Task Force brings together industry stakeholders to coordinate decarbonisation efforts.
GSMA climate finance focuses on mobilising funding and partnerships to accelerate green investments in digital infrastructure. The annual GSMA Mobile Net Zero Report tracks industry progress toward net-zero targets.
The GSMA values emphasise collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and responsible leadership, while the GSMA Foundation supports digital inclusion and socio-economic development initiatives globally.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
