Mobile industry body the GSMA is offering grants of up to £200,000 (approximately $250,000) to small enterprises using mobile technology to address climate and sustainability challenges across Africa and other emerging markets.
The GSMA announced the Innovation Fund for Green Transition on 23 February 2026, with applications open until 6 April. The fund targets for-profit businesses with up to 250 employees operating in low- and middle-income countries across Africa, Central and South America, or South and Southeast Asia.
What the fund supports
The fund backs solutions in three areas: clean energy expansion, including renewable energy systems and smart metering; device circularity, covering refurbishment, take-back schemes and responsible e-waste management; and digital inclusion, targeting affordable connectivity in underserved communities.
Each grant ranges from £100,000 to £200,000 and covers a period of 15 to 18 months. Applicants must contribute a minimum of 25% in matching funding and demonstrate existing commercial revenue and active users.
Support beyond grants
Beyond funding, selected enterprises will receive technical assistance, introductions to investors and mobile operators, and monitoring and evaluation support. The GSMA said the programme aims to generate evidence for scaling sustainable business models across emerging markets.
Philippe Bellordre, acting head of Mobile for Development at the GSMA, said the organisation is “investing directly in enterprises using mobile and digital technology to advance digital inclusion and enable a clean energy transition.”
Africa’s growing green tech pipeline
The fund opens as Africa’s tech sector faces growing pressure to address energy and sustainability challenges. The GSMA has previously backed mobile development on the continent, including through its Mobile Money Lab programme and a partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to expand mobile financial services.
Interested enterprises can apply through the GSMA website before the 6 April deadline.
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