UK’s New Tech Funding to Empower Developing Countries’ Livelihoods
Development Minister Andrew Mitchell has announced a new UK funding initiative aimed at supporting tech entrepreneurs and transforming livelihoods in developing countries worldwide.
The funding will focus on innovative mobile phone technology, including AI-powered solutions for real-time agricultural advice in Nigeria and pay-as-you-go solar-powered fridges. These initiatives, funded by the UK, aim to enhance opportunities and improve livelihoods globally.
Speaking at the Mobile World Congress, Minister Mitchell disclosed that the UK is allocating £37.3 million to the Mobile for Development Programme. This partnership between the UK, GSMA, and the private sector has already impacted over 94 million people, prioritizing women and girls, climate change resilience, and scaling up innovative solutions.
Minister Mitchell emphasized the potential of mobile technology to address climate change, create jobs, and empower women, aiming to reach an additional 110 million people through the new funding, including 60 million women.
The UK’s previous support has enabled the scaling up of digital initiatives like BaKhabar Kissan in Pakistan, providing weather forecasting to farmers, and Ensibuuko in Uganda, offering digital skills training to rural savings groups.
John Giusti, President of the GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation, highlighted the partnership’s impact, improving the lives of over 127 million people. He emphasized the role of digital innovation in supporting women, addressing climate change, and enhancing access to opportunities.
Moreover, GSMA announced grantees for its Climate Resilience and Adaptation Fund, funded by the UK, aimed at testing and scaling up new technologies to combat climate change effects in Africa and Asia. Projects include AI-powered satellite imagery for smallholder farmers and reducing food waste through online grocery platforms.
The initiative underscores the importance of leveraging mobile technology to empower vulnerable communities and address climate challenges, marking a significant step towards sustainable development and prosperity in developing nations.
