GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator

The GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator is a prominent initiative within the GSMA's Mobile for Development programme, headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Its core mission is to foster innovation and scale mobile-enabled solutions in emerging markets, primarily across Africa and Asia. The Accelerator achieves this by building crucial synergies between local startups and mobile operators, aiming to leverage mobile technology to address pressing socio-economic challenges and unlock new opportunities.

The program's approach involves providing comprehensive support beyond just capital. It offers equity-free seed funding, technical assistance, and mentorship, coupled with facilitating strategic partnerships between selected startups and mobile network operators. This unique model helps startups overcome common barriers to growth, such as access to market, distribution channels, and technical expertise. The Accelerator focuses on diverse sectors, including agri-tech, digital identity, energy, health, and financial services, all leveraging mobile technology to create impactful services for underserved populations.

Since its inception in 2016, the GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator has demonstrated significant impact. The program has disbursed over £10.5 million in equity-free funding, supporting a portfolio of 50 start-ups across various emerging markets. This substantial investment underscores its commitment to nurturing local innovation ecosystems and driving the adoption of mobile services that contribute to sustainable development. By connecting innovative startups with the vast reach and resources of mobile operators, the Accelerator plays a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of digital economies and improving lives in some of the world's most dynamic regions.