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Economic development

GSMA and Asian Development Bank Sign Cooperation Agreement to Drive Digital Development Across Asia-Pacific

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The GSMA, a global organisation representing mobile operators worldwide, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a Cooperation Agreement to advance digital transformation and mobile connectivity across Asia and the Pacific. The multi-year arrangement aims to leverage mobile technology to bridge digital divides, foster economic growth, and boost climate resilience in ADB's developing member countries. Through this collaboration, the GSMA and ADB will focus on knowledge sharing, policy reform, public-private partnerships, and capacity building to address regional development challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The GSMA and ADB have signed a Cooperation Agreement to advance digital transformation and mobile connectivity across Asia and the Pacific.
  • The multi-year arrangement aims to leverage mobile technology to bridge digital divides, foster economic growth, and boost climate resilience in ADB's developing member countries.
  • The collaboration will focus on knowledge sharing, policy reform, public-private partnerships, and capacity building to address regional development challenges.
  • The GSMA will contribute to the ADB's advisory panel on digital transformation, guiding mobile sector strategies and regional priorities.
  • The cooperation will be implemented through a joint work program running from 2025 to 2027, including research, targeted events, policy dialogues, and support for mobile-based solutions.
  • The partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organisations 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 power of mobile technology to transform lives, especially in regions with limited access to essential services.
  • F. Cleo Kawawaki, Director-General, Sectors Department 2 of the ADB, underscored the commitment to accelerating digital transformation and achieving ADB's vision for a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific.

Statistics:

  • The Cooperation Agreement will be implemented over a period of three years (2025-2027).
  • The joint work program will include research, targeted events, policy dialogues, and support for mobile-based solutions for sectors including agriculture, health, and climate adaptation.
  • ADB's developing member countries will benefit from the increased focus on digital transformation and mobile connectivity.

Sources:

  • GSMA Newsroom (2025) - "Asian Development Bank and the GSMA sign cooperation agreement to drive digital development across Asia-Pacific"
  • GSMA website (About Page) - "About GSMA"
  • ADB website (About Page) - "About ADB"

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