Driving mobile internet use in low- and middle-income countries: Lessons and insights from the GSMA Innovation Fund

3.2 billion of the unconnected population worldwide live within the footprint of a mobile broadband network but are not using mobile internet. About 93% of this unconnected population reside in low- and-middle-income countries (LMICs).

To help address this important challenge, the GSMA Innovation Fund for Mobile Internet Adoption and Digital Inclusion was launched to support start-ups that are committed to delivering scalable digital solutions to address one or more of the key barriers that prevent many from connecting to mobile internet. These include barriers to access and usability, affordability, digital skills, and safety and security.

In this report, we draw on insights from the implementation of the Fund to identify a set of new learnings for start-ups about what works, not just in their efforts to better reach the underserved, but also in scaling their innovation to address the digital divide. The report highlights the important role of innovations in both products and business models, as well as partnerships in the public and private sectors, to overcome scaling barriers and tackle the scale of the gap in mobile internet use in LMICs.