The arrangement of several years will promote the innovative use of mobile technologies to reduce the digital divide.
July 14, 2025, Manila/London: The GSMA, which represents mobile operators worldwide, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a cooperation agreement to advance digital transformation and mobile connectivity in Asia and Pacific, marking a great increase in the approach to the power of mobile devices to boost inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
The strategic agreement aims to take advantage of mobile technology to unite digital divisions, promote economic growth and promote climate resilience in Member Countries (DMC) in ADB development. Through this collaboration of several years, the GSMA and the ADB will focus on the exchange of knowledge, policy reform, public-private associations and capabilities development, which mobilizes all the potential of the sector to address regional development challenges.
The initiative is aligned with the objective of ADB strategy 2030 to promote innovative technology and integrated solutions, particularly in sectors such as health, education, finance and disaster resistance. According to the agreement, the GSMA will also contribute to the ADB digital transformation advice panel, to guide mobile sector strategies and regional priorities.
John Giusti, regulatory director of the GSMA, said: “Mobile technology has the power to transform lives, especially in regions where access to essential services is limited. This association with the Asian Development Bank is an important milestone in our shared mission to create inclusive digital economies and build resilient societies in Asia and Pacific. Together, our goal is to unlock investment, boost policy innovation and offer a real impact on the field.”
F. Cleo Kawawaki, general director, Department of Sectors 2 of the ADB, said: “This strategic association with GSMA underlines ADB's commitment to accelerate digital transformation and achieve its vision to a prostate, inclusive, resilient and sustainable asian and Pacific. By taking advantage of GSMA's experience in mobile connectivity, digital inclusion and politics defense, the ADB points to its support for member countries of construction construction, resistant experience, and digital digital inclusion.”
Cooperation will be implemented through a joint work program from 2025 to 2027, which includes research, specific events, policy dialogues with governments and regulators, and support for the development of mobile solutions for sectors that include agriculture, health and climatic adaptation.
The Association underlines the shared commitment of both organizations with the progress of digital inclusion and sustainable growth, recognizing the critical role of mobile connectivity in the authorization of long -term development results.
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About GSMA
GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and offer fundamental innovation to positive business environments and social change. Our vision is to unlock all the power of connectivity so that people, industry and society prosper. Representing mobile operators and organizations throughout the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA offers its members in three broad pillars: connectivity for good, services and solutions of the industry, and scope. This activity includes the progress policy, addressing today's greatest social challenges, underpinning technology and interoperability that make mobile work and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem in the MWC and M360 events series. We invite you to get more information at Gsma.com
About ADB
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank that supports inclusive, resistant and sustainable growth in Asia and Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB takes advantage of innovative financial tools and strategic associations to transform lives, build quality infrastructure and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, the ADB is owned by 69 members: 50 of the region.
For more information visit adb.org
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