African startups offering climate-focused solutions can apply for a new GSMA fund

African startups providing solutions in the climate sector are invited to apply to the GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation, which aims to support digital innovations addressing challenges related to climate change.
The GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation is the last fund of its kind managed by the GSMA, after other targeted offerings in 2018, 2019, 2020 and earlier this year, and launches to help accelerate the testing, adoption and scalability of digital innovations that enable the world’s most vulnerable populations to adapt, anticipate and absorb the negative impacts of change climate.
The fund will support growing startups and small businesses that leverage digital technology, especially mobile, to deliver climate resilience and adaptation solutions to low-income and vulnerable populations.
In partnership with the UK Department of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the GSMA will provide selected organizations with access to a comprehensive support package, including grant funding of up to 250,000 GBP (335,000 USD). Other benefits include tailored technical assistance, facilitated relationships with mobile operators and public sector organizations, and peer learning opportunities.
âMobile and other digital technologies can help create a more resilient future, where communities not only survive climate shocks, but thrive in spite of them. Building on our long-standing partnership with the GSMA, FCDO is delighted to support its newly launched fund, which will partner with growing startups and small businesses looking to use digital and mobile technologies to ensure greater resilience and adaptation to low-income and vulnerable people. populations, âsaid Professor Charlotte Watts, Chief Science Officer and Director of Research and Evidence at FCDO.
Applications for the fund are open here until January 9, 2022.