GSMA launches new fund for green transition projects in LMICs

Details: John Tanner; Category: Energy & Sustainability; 24 February 2026; 827 views

The GSMA launched a new innovation fund on Monday to support small enterprises that use mobile and digital technologies to transition to green practices in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Billed as the GSMA Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile, the fund – which targets enterprises operating across Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia – will offer grants of GBP100,000 (US$134,900) to GBP200,000 over periods of 15-18 months for commercially viable innovations that expand access to clean energy.

The GSMA said the new fund will focus on solutions that strengthen digital inclusion, affordability and socio-economic empowerment, while delivering environmental impact.

The fund also covers solutions that extend the lifespan of mobile devices through circular economy approaches, including repair, refurbishment and reuse, reducing e-waste while increasing access to affordable handsets for underserved populations.

That can include things like take-back and trade-in schemes, leasing models, refurbished device marketplaces, traceability tools, and responsible e-waste collection and recycling.

The GSMA said that keeping devices in circulation longer lowers their environmental impact while reducing the cost of ownership and expanding connectivity for low-income communities.

The fund is also designed to generate practical insights and lessons that contribute to the mobile industry’s wider climate and ESG priorities. This includes evidence that supports enabling environments for clean energy and circular economy solutions, informs policy discussions, and helps scale sustainable business models across emerging markets.

“Through this innovation fund, we are investing directly in enterprises that are using mobile and digital technology to advance digital inclusion and enable a clean energy transition – while also scaling practical, circular solutions that extend the life of mobile devices and make connectivity more affordable for underserved communities,” said Philippe Bellordre, the GSMA’s acting head of Mobile for Development, in a statement.

The fund is open to for-profit small and growing enterprises with up to 250 employees in LMICs across Africa, Central and South America, or South and Southeast Asia. To qualify, they must incorporate mobile or digital technology as a core part of their solution, demonstrate commercial revenue and active users, and contribute at least 25% matching funding .

In addition to the money, the GSMA fund will also provide technical assistance and help applicants connect with investors and build partnerships with mobile network operators. The fund will also supply monitoring, evaluation and learning support, as well as visibility through GSMA platforms, publications and industry engagement.

The application window is open now and runs to May 2026, with a submission deadline of 6 April.