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Mobile for Development
Our Impact

Our Impact

We deliver meaningful and
sustainable impact for communities.

Explore our impact in numbers

At GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D), we drive digital innovation to increase digital and financial inclusion, climate resilience, and to empower underserved communities.

Our approach to measuring impact centers on pragmatic and action-oriented monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) to ensure that every initiative we undertake contributes to meaningful and measurable impact.

The GSMA is committed to transformative change. Impact isn’t just a metric—it’s the fundamental driver of our work. By meticulously measuring and understanding the outcomes of our digital innovations and initiatives, we aim to deliver meaningful and sustainable impact for communities.

A woman in a bright magenta saree with gold trim sits on a cloth outdoors, holding a smartphone and looking at its screen. In front of her is a small pile of grains. Background shows a tractor, buildings, a parked motorbike, and greenery.

We use rigorous and pragmatic methodologies to understand our impact and build evidence bases that support our activities and inform decision making to:

A woman in a red jacket uses a large stone slab to press green balls on a mesh table, while another woman in the background takes a photo with her phone in an open, industrial-like setting.
01
Understand and amplify our global impact through evidence
A man with short dark hair and a beard crouches in a greenhouse, looking at his smartphone. He is surrounded by green leafy vegetables and plants, wearing a dark jacket and jeans. The greenhouse structure and soil are visible around him.
02
Adapt and iterate programs for maximum relevance, effectiveness and impact.
A person with colorful bracelets holds a mobile phone near a shelf with an orange speaker, electrical equipment, and wires against a rough, white brick wall. The scene appears informal and slightly cluttered.
03
Share actionable learnings that drive real-world change.

Our thematic areas of focus:

Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
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Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
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Digital inclusion
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Agriculture
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Utilities
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Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
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Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation
Simple red line drawing of a person with long hair, shown from the shoulders up. The figure is facing forward and there are no facial features or distinct details, just an outline. The background is black.
Gender
A red outline drawing shows a hand with an upturned palm and a single dollar bill hovering above it, featuring a dollar sign in a circle at the center of the bill, on a black background.
Financial inclusion
Humanitarian innovation
Red line drawing of a smartphone displaying four square app icons arranged in a grid on the screen, each with simple shapes inside. Three small circles are shown beneath the grid, representing navigation or indicators.
Digital inclusion
A simple red line drawing of an open hand facing up, holding a small plant with three leaves. The hand is stylized, with a cuff indicating a sleeve, and the plant represents growth or nurturing. The image has a black background.
Agriculture
Red outline of a house with a circular chip or microprocessor icon inside, representing smart home technology or home automation. The chip has a stylized circuit pattern with lines extending outward. The background is black.
Utilities
A red line drawing of a spiral encircling a simplified globe, with a leaf at the spiral’s end. The design suggests themes of environmentalism, sustainability, or eco-friendly initiatives. The background is transparent.
Climate resilience
A red outline of a light bulb with a gear inside, symbolizing innovation or ideas. Small lines radiate from the bulb, representing light or inspiration. The design is simple and uses clean, thin lines.
Emerging technology
Red outline drawing of a rocket ship tilted upward to the right, with three fins at the base, a round window in the center, and lines behind it depicting movement or launch. The background is plain and the style is simple and minimalistic.
Startup Innovation

M4D works across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in both humanitarian and non-humanitarian contexts, leveraging mobile technology to drive inclusive
and sustainable development.

We measure impact across three key areas:

  • Climate: Supporting mobile-enabled solutions that enhance resilience and adaptation to climate change.
  • Gender: Addressing the mobile gender gap and empowering women by increasing access to digital technology and mobile internet.
  • Scale and Sustainability Innovation: Catalysing investment through innovation funds to de-risk digital innovation for impact.

To ensure meaningful impact at the community level, we track changes in mobile internet access and usage, improvements in livelihoods, and enhanced climate resilience.

Explore our key resources:

Annual Impact Report

A deep dive into our data-driven outcomes.
Coming soon

Evidence Gap Maps

Interactive tools that reveal knowledge gaps and inform targeted interventions.
Find out more

Insights and Data Library

Selection of learning papers, blogs, and reports.
Find out more

The Climate impact narrative

We’re committed to driving climate action through digital innovation. Our definition of climate action encompasses a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

This includes:

Climate Mitigation

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.

Building Resilience

Empowering communities to prepare for climate risks.

Anticipating and Preparing

Helping communities foresee and plan for climate-related dangers.

Supporting Adaptation

Assisting communities in adjusting to evolving climate stressors.

Absorbing Impact

Helping communities manage known climate risks.

Natural Resource Protection

Promoting sustainable use of resources in stressed areas.

The 3As Framework

We leverage mobile and digital technologies, enabling communities to adapt, anticipate, and absorb the impacts of climate change effectively.

The impact narrative

To understand and investigate our programmes’ impact, we have developed an impact narrative for M4D’s work. This, along with a set of indicators and approaches to collect and analyse impact data, creates a narrative of the GSMA’s climate work.

Find out more

We understand our impact through both quantitative data and human stories. Our MEL is designed to:

Track digital solutions

Track how digital solutions help communities combat effects climate change

Help understand real-world impact

Understand the real-world impact of technological interventions on communities vulnerable
to climate shocks

Support Adaptation

Provide support to grantees as they develop their own pathways to climate adaptation, and helping them gather evidence to demonstrate the impact of their work.

Environmental Impact

Closely monitor and evidence the environmental ramifications – both intended and unintended – of climate tech innovations, ensuring responsible development.

Impact measurement is embedded across our projects, combining consistent monitoring with bespoke climate and environmental evaluation methodologies. These include:

  • User and community-centred baseline and endline studies
  • Environmental impact assessments
  • Geospatial analysis

Explore our key resources:

Blog

Five steps to measuring environmental impact of climate tech innovation
Read nowSee all blogs

Case Study

Lersha: GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation
Read nowSee all Case Studies

Report

Data-driven advisory services for climate-smart smallholder agriculture
Read nowSee all reports

Scaling Sustainable Innovation impact narrative

The M4D team identifies, supports, and scales mobile-enabled innovations that reduce inequalities and drive socio-economic development. Through seed and grant funding, we help grantees develop, test, and expand mobile-based solutions. While funding is a crucial first step, our work also focuses on creating lasting impact through other key initiatives.

We foster cross-sector partnerships to accelerate the growth of proven mobile solutions that benefit end users. By generating research and evidence, we highlight the role of digital innovations in socio-economic development. Additionally, our policy advocacy helps create an enabling environment for innovation, supporting the replication and scaling of successful mobile products, services, and business models.

Startups, SMEs, and non-profits in low- and middle-income countries have the potential to reduce inequalities through digital solutions but often lack capital due to perceived investment risks.

The Scalability Survey

To track an innovation’s path to scale, we use our bespoke Scalability Survey, which assesses barriers and enablers, helping organisations refine their strategies over time.

To understand and investigate M4D’s impact, we have developed an impact narrative. This, along with a set of indicators and approaches to collect and analyse impact data, creates a narrative of the GSMA’s investment for scale and sustainability work.

We define scale as the ability to 
grow without resource constraints 
and measure progress through three key metrics:

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Number of users

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Follow-on investment

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Revenue

A flowchart shows a process from "Ideation" to "Pilot" to a large circle with three business growth strategies: expanding to more users, adding more functions, and expanding impact, each with a brief description and an icon.

The impact narrative

To understand and investigate our programmes’ impact, we have developed an impact narrative for M4D’s work. This, along with a set of indicators and approaches to collect and analyse impact data, creates a narrative of the GSMA’s Scaling Sustainable Innovation’s work.

Coming soon

Explore our key resources:

Scaling digital innovation in emerging economies 2023

Read the reportSee all reports

Scaling digital innovation in low-and-middle-income economies, 2024

Read the reportSee all reports

Meet the start-ups

The GSMA Innovation Fund for Climate Resilience and Adaptation 2.0
Discover their impactSee all blogs

Gender impact narrative

We are committed to closing the mobile gender gap by addressing the barriers women face in accessing and using mobile internet and mobile money services. Despite increasing global connectivity, 3.8 billion people remain digitally excluded, the majority of whom live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Women, the poor, rural populations and persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected. As mobile connectivity becomes central to economic and social participation, leaving the digital gender divide unaddressed risks exacerbating existing inequalities. The mobile industry, supported by the GSMA, continues to lead on advancing women’s digital inclusion.

Our gender outcomes focus on:

A woman wearing a blue apron and black hairnet sits indoors, smiling while using a smartphone. She holds a pen and writes in an open notebook on her lap. Household items and a steaming pot are visible in the dimly lit, rustic background.

Women’s access and 
use of mobile internet:

In LMICs, women are 14% less likely than men to use mobile internet, impacting their livelihoods, well-being and resilience to economic and external shocks. We track progress in reducing these gaps and improving women’s access to essential digital services.
A young woman wearing a yellow and black patterned blouse smiles while looking at her smartphone. She stands outdoors near a fruit stand with watermelons, surrounded by greenery and trees in the background.

Stakeholder awareness 
and action:

We support private and public sector stakeholders in recognising and prioritising gender inclusion, equipping them with data-driven insights and practical guidance to design and implement solutions that reach women effectively.
A young girl with braided hair and glasses writes in a notebook at a desk covered with books, folders, pens, and a smartphone. The phone displays text, possibly for reference. She wears a pink shirt and a beaded bracelet on her left wrist.

Enabling policies and 
industry practices:

Through engagement with MNOs, policymakers and government partners, we advocate for products, services, initiatives and policies that address the barriers women face, in order to drive women’s digital and financial inclusion.

The impact narrative

To understand and investigate our programmers’ impact, we have developed an impact narrative to identify the problems our programmes aim to tackle, shared outcomes and establish measurement approaches to assess impact at both programme and portfolio levels. Critically this enables us to collect and analyse gender data, enabling a comprehensive understanding of M4D’s gender work.

Find out more

Our MEL is designed to better understand:

  • How women are using mobile services and its impact.
  • Women’s needs and the barriers they face to accessing and using mobile services.
  • The actions stakeholders are taking to reach and support women with mobile services and the effectiveness of different approaches being taken.

Explore our key resources:

The Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025

Insights on closing the mobile gender gap
Read the reportSee all resources

Reaching 50 Million Women with Mobile: A Practical Guide

Download the guideSee all resources

Accelerating Digital Inclusion for Women

Driving equal access to mobile and internet
Read moreSee all resources

Real stories of mobile impact

Explore how mobile connectivity is transforming lives, empowering women, and driving digital inclusion worldwide.

M4D Life Stories map

2024-2025 videos

Videos
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From Local Designer to Global Dreams: Ejigayehu’s Story

From Local Designer to Global Dreams: Ejigayehu’s Story
A Deaf Student’s Path to Digital Inclusion: Efti’s Story

A Deaf Student’s Path to Digital Inclusion: Efti’s Story
A Farmer’s Journey to Digital Empowerment: Edodi's Story

A Farmer’s Journey to Digital Empowerment: Edodi's Story
From Seamstress to Online Entrepreneur: Sadia’s Story

From Seamstress to Online Entrepreneur: Sadia’s Story
Planning and Saving for Long-Term Goals: Patrick's Story

Planning and Saving for Long-Term Goals: Patrick's Story
Unlocking Financial Opportunities with Credit: Priscilla's Story

Unlocking Financial Opportunities with Credit: Priscilla's Story
Managing Business Operations: Everline's Story

Managing Business Operations: Everline's Story
Simplifying Bookkeeping for Small Businesses: Jacqueline’s Story

Simplifying Bookkeeping for Small Businesses: Jacqueline’s Story
Balancing the Family Budget Successfully: Jane's Story

Balancing the Family Budget Successfully: Jane's Story
Pathways to Entrepreneurship: Juliana's Story

Pathways to Entrepreneurship: Juliana's Story
Facilitating Safe and Instant Payments: Angwech's Story

Facilitating Safe and Instant Payments: Angwech's Story
Driving Financial Independence for the Youth: Achen's Story

Driving Financial Independence for the Youth: Achen's Story
Innovation for Small Businesses: Doreen's Story

Innovation for Small Businesses: Doreen's Story
Developing Seamless Business Operations: Simon's Story

Developing Seamless Business Operations: Simon's Story
Driving Rural Financial Inclusion: Deus's Story

Driving Rural Financial Inclusion: Deus's Story
Unlocking Business Potential: Dorothy's Story

Unlocking Business Potential: Dorothy's Story
Digitising Mangrove Conservation in Indonesia

Digitising Mangrove Conservation in Indonesia
Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Sheila's Story

Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Sheila's Story
Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Arabelle's Story

Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Arabelle's Story
Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Fauzia's Story

Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Fauzia's Story
Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Mamota's Story

Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Mamota's Story
Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Elizabeth's Story

Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Elizabeth's Story
Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Asma's Story

Female Micro-Entrepreneurs: Asma's Story

Our work is made possible by: The Gates Foundation, UK International Development from the UK Government (FCDO), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), on behalf of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Visa and supported by the GSMA and its members.

The image displays the text "Gates Foundation" in a bold, dark serif font centered on a plain white background.
The image displays the UK International Development logo, featuring a Union Jack flag to the left. To the right, “UK International Development” is written in bold blue text. Below, the words “Partnership | Progress | Prosperity” are in smaller blue text.
A wavy ribbon in German flag colors (black, red, yellow) appears above the text “german cooperation DEUTSCHE ZUSAMMENARBEIT.” To the right, it reads “Implemented by giz” with the GIZ logo and full name in German in red text.
A blue rectangle with a yellow Nordic cross, representing the Swedish flag, appears on the left. To the right, "Sweden" is written in English above "Sverige," the Swedish name for the country, both in bold blue text on a white background.
The image shows the blue VISA logo in bold, uppercase letters on a white background. The left side of the “V” features an extended top line, distinguishing the logo as the well-known symbol for the Visa payment network.