GSMA Innovation Fund for Green Transition for Mobile

The Fund has three primary objectives: to improve clean energy access for vulnerable communities by supporting scalable and sustainable business models that enhance energy affordability while enabling digital inclusion; to increase the circularity of mobile phones and improve handset affordability by extending device lifespans through repair and refurbishment, reducing e-waste and emissions, and strengthening circular economy practices; and to advance the mobile industry’s climate action and environmental, social and governance priorities by generating evidence and practical lessons that create enabling environments for clean energy and circular solutions. The Fund focuses on projects addressing the dual challenge of digital and clean energy transitions and innovative approaches to refurbished handsets, including renewable energy systems, smart metering, mini-grids, mesh grids, energy efficiency solutions, anchor-business-community models leveraging telecom towers, leasing and take-back schemes, trade-in models, repair and refurbishment services, supply chain and logistics innovations, refurbished device marketplaces, traceability systems, financial and incentive mechanisms, circular device design and production, and responsible e-waste collection and recycling.

The Fund is designed to support for-profit, private-sector small and growing enterprises with up to 250 employees that operate in eligible low- and middle-income countries across Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia. Applicants must already have active users and commercial revenue in at least one eligible country and must be registered and operating in the country where the proposed project will be implemented.

Eligible organisations are required to demonstrate the use of digital and mobile technologies, ranging from SMS, USSD, connectivity, and mobile payments to advanced tools such as AI, IoT, blockchain, big data analytics, and software-enabled service delivery. The use of technology must be context-appropriate, user-focused, and aligned with the Fund’s clean energy and circularity objectives.

Applicants must show clear plans for sustainability beyond the grant period and demonstrate potential for strategic partnerships with mobile network operators, with preference given to organisations that already have existing relationships with such partners. Female-founded, female-led, or gender-diverse organisations, as well as locally led enterprises committed to strengthening local capacity and employment, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Only one organisation may apply and act as the lead grantee, and it must be responsible for delivering the majority of the proposed project outputs. Previous recipients of GSMA grants may apply, provided their earlier grant is no longer active at the time the application window closes.

For more information, visit GSMA.