GSMA launches fund to accelerate Africa’s AI agenda
The GSMA, a non-profit industry organisation that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide, has established the Innovation Fund for Impactful Artificial Intelligence to support enterprises in Africa and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
With emerging technologies at the heart of the growing global digital revolution, the Fund wants to ensure that LMICS do not fall behind in the AI revolution.
The GSMA Innovation Fund is providing grants of up to £250,000 and specialised venture-building support to businesses that use AI and future technologies to drive forward-looking innovations.
Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, GSMA's head of mobile for development, emphasised that the fund, which began accepting applications this week, is intended to speed the development of AI-driven solutions that solve crucial local concerns in healthcare, education, financial services, and climate change.
“AI and emerging technologies have immense potential to tackle global challenges, but much of their development has focused on advanced markets, leaving a gap in the solutions designed for and by communities in LMICs.
“The GSMA Innovation Fund for Impactful AI seeks to change this by empowering enterprises in these regions to harness AI for transformative, inclusive, and sustainable development where it is needed most,” said Giacomelli.
GSMA partnered with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to launch this fund that aims to harness emerging and mobile technologies to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
The applications opened on January 29 for grants ranging from £100,000 to £250,000 that will be provided over a 15- to 18-month period, enabling enterprises to test and scale solutions that address critical challenges.
According to a GSMA statement, beneficiaries will gain access to boot camps, learning exchanges, and global industry to build their technical and operational expertise.
It emphasises that tailored support will help enterprises build partnerships with mobile network operators, attract investors, and develop scalable business models.
Giacomelli highlighted that the Fund deliberately prioritises enterprises that are female-founded or female-led to address gender inequities.
“By supporting locally led organisations, the initiative also aims to build regional capacity, foster leadership, and deliver impactful, community-driven outcomes," he said.