• GSMA will award grants of £100,000 to £200,000 ($135,000 to $270,000) over 15 to 18 months.

• The fund targets Africa, Central and South America, and South and Southeast Asia.

• Eligible startups must provide at least 25% co-financing of total project costs.

The Global Association of Mobile Network Operators (GSMA) announced on Sunday, February 23, the launch of an Innovation Fund to support small enterprises and startups that use mobile technologies to advance clean energy transition and digital inclusion. The initiative targets Africa, Central and South America, as well as South and Southeast Asia.

GSMA will provide grants ranging from £100,000 to £200,000 ($135,000 to $270,000) over a period of 15 to 18 months. The organization designed the fund to back commercially viable solutions that combine environmental impact with business sustainability.

“We invest in companies that use mobile technology to strengthen digital inclusion and support a sustainable energy transition, while offering circular solutions that extend device lifecycles and make connectivity more affordable for underserved communities,” said Philippe Bellordre, Acting Head of Mobile for Development at GSMA.

Eligible companies must register legally in one of the targeted regions, employ up to 250 people and demonstrate both revenue generation and an active user base. The fund requires beneficiaries to contribute at least 25% of total project costs through matching financing.

The program will support initiatives such as device repair, refurbishment and reuse, as well as trade-in programs and responsible collection and recycling of electronic waste. These solutions aim to extend device lifespans, reduce e-waste and improve connectivity affordability for underserved populations, thereby strengthening socio-economic inclusion.

In addition to financial support, selected startups will receive ongoing monitoring, evaluation and learning assistance, as well as increased visibility through GSMA publications and platforms.

Applications will remain open until April 6, 2026 at 23:59 UK time. Interested companies can submit applications through the dedicated online portal.

https://gsma-innovation.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• Madagascar converted CNTEMAD into a Public Virtual University backed by $3 million in financing.
• The university aims to enroll up to 49,000 students annually by 2029 and produce 10,000 additional graduates each year.
• The World Bank estimates that 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.

The National Center for Tele-Education and Distance Learning (CNTEMAD) has transitioned into a Public Virtual University. Authorities officially launched the project on February 20 in Antananarivo. The World Bank is supporting the initiative through its DECIM program to expand access to higher education via digital tools and strengthen Madagascar’s human capital.

The new digital university operates on a platform developed in partnership with SAYNA. The platform manages the entire student journey remotely, from enrollment to examinations and thesis defenses. The project seeks to address growing demand for university education, particularly in remote areas, while reducing logistical costs and modernizing teaching methods.

The government allocated $3 million in financing to the project. The Public Virtual University plans to enroll up to 49,000 learners annually by 2029 and to generate 10,000 additional graduates each year.

The reform aligns with Madagascar’s national strategy for human capital development and digital transformation. Afrobarometer reported that more than 40% of young people aged 18 to 35 were unemployed in 2024. Policymakers view access to market-relevant training as a strategic lever to improve employability.

Survey data identified lack of training or preparation as the main barrier to employment at 30%, followed by lack of experience at 27% and mismatch between academic qualifications and employer needs at 16%. These constraints highlight the need for innovative and inclusive education solutions.

In parallel, the Public Virtual University project includes modernization of technical infrastructure and expansion to 16 regional centers equipped with autonomous solar solutions. The infrastructure will ensure operational continuity in areas with limited electricity access.

The initiative complements national digital training programs such as ASAN’AI and Skills4Job, which aim to equip young people with in-demand competencies, particularly in digital professions and customer relations.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• Daniel Bekele co-founded Ashewa Technology in 2020 to support SME digital transformation in Ethiopia.
• The company offers solutions including Nehabi, Smart ERP and the e-commerce platform Ashewa.com.
• Ashewa Technology targets private firms, large corporations and public institutions.

Ethiopian entrepreneur Daniel Bekele co-founded and leads Ashewa Technology as Chief Executive Officer. He supports small and medium-sized enterprises, large companies and public institutions in their digital transition.

Founded in 2020, Ashewa Technology positions itself as a strategic partner for professionals seeking to modernize operations, improve efficiency and access new markets through digital tools designed for the African context.

The company develops several technology solutions. Through Nehabi, it enables businesses to create showcase or professional websites without programming skills. It also offers Smart ERP, a management software solution that helps organizations of all sizes track activities, structure operations and support growth.

Through its e-commerce platform Ashewa.com, Ashewa Technology facilitates the buying and selling of products in Ethiopia. The platform aims to simplify trade and unlock new commercial opportunities. The company has also developed Hybrid Learning, a solution that modernizes education by combining digital tools with structured pedagogical approaches.

In addition, Ashewa Technology designs customized web and mobile applications tailored to the specific needs of private enterprises and public organizations. The company also provides domain name registration and hosting services to ensure stable and high-performance online deployment of websites and applications.

Daniel Bekele earned a diploma in software development and digital marketing in 2019 from Ubunifu College in Kenya. He also obtained an advanced national diploma in e-commerce and artificial intelligence in 2021 from Indian Technology College. In the same year, he earned a diploma in education with a specialization in business operations management and artificial intelligence from ASEAN Online Education.

He began his career in 2015 as a sales and digital marketing specialist at JTMM Africa, a trading company. In 2016, while studying in Kenya, he developed a lead generation tool called UBU. In 2018, he joined Kiyaye as a software developer, contributing to the development of its website and social networking application.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum