UK’s DFID to provide £38m to fund GSMA’s Mobile for Development initiative

The GSMA has inked a partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) which will provide £38-million in funding for the association’s work around digital innovation for the under-served through its Mobile for Development (M4D) initiative.

The GSMA announced the partnership in a statement last Thursday (17 July).  The association’s Mobile for Development initiative was established to drive innovation in digital technology to reduce inequalities in the world.

The programme focuses on digital inclusion, digital identity, energy, water, sanitation and the reduction of the mobile gender gap.

The funding will support the GSMA’s work on digital innovation for the under-served

The GSMA said as part of the deal — dubbed The Partnership for Inclusion, Innovation and Scale — the Mobile for Development programme will now include two new focus areas, namely disability and climate.

GSMA director general Mats Granryd (pictured above) said the “landmark partnership” with the DFID reinforces the joint power and potential of the private and public sectors working together.

Granryd also added that the deal will ensure that the GSMA will continue with what he said was its crucial role of stimulating digital innovation to deliver both sustainable businesses and large-scale socio-economic impact for the under-served.

“This project reinforces our commitment to supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and using the power of technology to reduce global inequalities,” said Granryd.

The partnership, the association further explained, will unearth critical insights on the needs of the under-served, identify, as well as invest in mobile-enabled innovations and business models which can drive inclusion at scale.

The GSMA pointed out that its Mobile for Development programme is experienced in bringing digital innovations to scale by engaging the private sector, especially mobile operators and digital innovators.

Featured image: GSMA director general Mats Granryd (Mats Granryd via Twitter)