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Economic development

GSMA and Asian Development Bank Partner to Drive Digital Transformation Across Asia and the Pacific

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a Cooperation Agreement to advance digital transformation and mobile connectivity across Asia and the Pacific. The strategic agreement aims to leverage mobile technology to bridge digital divides, foster economic growth, and boost climate resilience in ADB's developing member countries (DMCs). This partnership will focus on knowledge sharing, policy reform, public-private partnerships, and capacity building, mobilising the full potential of the sector to address regional development challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GSMA and ADB will collaborate on a joint work program from 2025 to 2027, focusing on research, targeted events, policy dialogues with governments and regulators, and support for the development of mobile-based solutions.
  • The partnership will target sectors including agriculture, health, and climate adaptation, with a focus on leveraging mobile technology to bridge digital divides and foster economic growth.
  • The GSMA will contribute to ADB's advisory panel on digital transformation, guiding mobile sector strategies and regional priorities.
  • The initiative is aligned with ADB's Strategy 2030 objective to promote innovative technology and integrated solutions.
  • The partnership aims to unlock investment, drive policy innovation, and deliver real impact on the ground.
  • The GSMA and ADB share a commitment to advancing digital inclusion and sustainable growth, recognising the critical role of mobile connectivity in enabling long-term development outcomes.
  • John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer of the GSMA, highlighted the potential of mobile technology to transform lives in regions where access to essential services is limited.
  • F. Cleo Kawawaki, Director-General, Sectors Department 2 of the ADB, underscored ADB's commitment to accelerating digital transformation and achieving its vision for a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific.

Statistics:

  • The joint work program will run from 2025 to 2027.
  • The partnership aims to mobilise the full potential of the sector to address regional development challenges.
  • The GSMA and ADB will focus on knowledge sharing, policy reform, public-private partnerships, and capacity building.
  • The initiative targets sectors including agriculture, health, and climate adaptation.
  • The partnership aims to unlock investment, drive policy innovation, and deliver real impact on the ground.

Sources:

  • GSMA and Asian Development Bank Partner to Drive Digital Transformation Across Asia and the Pacific (GSMA, [Source missing])
  • ADB's Strategy 2030 (Asian Development Bank, Strategy 2030)
  • John Giusti's quote: Interview with John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA
  • F. Cleo Kawawaki's quote: Interview with F. Cleo Kawawaki, Director-General, Sectors Department 2, ADB

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