GSMA launches skills training initiative to combat digital poverty
The GSMA, a leading mobile industry association, has unveiled a new skills training initiative in collaboration with the N50 Project during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) being held in Barcelona. This programme is designed to address digital poverty and narrow the existing digital divide by providing educational opportunities to underserved communities around the globe.
As part of this initiative, GSMA Advance—the organisation's skills and training division—will offer a minimum of 100 fully funded scholarships aimed at individuals and communities who lack access to digital training resources. These scholarships are intended to enable recipients to gain proficiency in the latest mobile technology advancements through GSMA’s comprehensive curriculum. The initiative represents a crucial aspect of a broader strategy employed by both GSMA and the N50 Project to connect billions of people currently without digital opportunities.
Dr Drew MacFarlane, Head of GSMA Advance, stated, “Digital connectivity is no longer a privilege – it’s crucial for future societal development. Our partnership with the N50 Project marks a significant step in strengthening skills and professional development within the mobile and telecoms industry. By equipping individuals and communities with industry-specific knowledge and tools, we are practically taking steps to close the digital divide whilst also driving innovation, economic growth, and long-term sustainability within the mobile ecosystem.”
This partnership aims to highlight the importance of digital access in addressing various barriers faced by individuals in accessing mobile internet services. According to the GSMA, around 3.45 billion people remain unconnected to mobile internet, predominantly residing in areas where coverage is available. However, a staggering 90% of them fall into the so-called ‘usage gap’, which is attributed to a combination of affordability challenges, insufficient digital skills and literacy, security concerns, and the absence of relevant or localised content.
Daniel Gutwein, CEO of the N50 Project, emphasised the project's mission, saying, “At the N50, we are committed to eliminating digital poverty by bringing connectivity, technology, and opportunity to all communities. Through this collaboration with GSMA, we are not only expanding access but also equipping individuals with critical workforce development skills. This partnership exemplifies the transformative impact of digital access, creating pathways to economic opportunity and a better future for all.”
The objectives outlined in the GSMA and N50 Project initiative extend beyond merely offering scholarships. By seeking to enhance connectivity in underprivileged areas, the collaboration aims to provide a range of benefits, including improved access to healthcare services, better educational prospects, and enhanced agricultural practices. These advancements are expected to lead to increased financial inclusion and overall societal development.
Central to the initiative's approach is the belief that by elevating educational standards and bridging skills gaps, the GSMA and the N50 Project can contribute significantly to the creation of a more equitable digital landscape worldwide. The initiative is broadly reflective of a growing recognition within the tech and telecommunications industries of their responsibility to address digital exclusion and promote inclusivity as the digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly.
Through this strategic alliance, both organisations are committed to fostering an environment where digital access and education are not merely privileges but fundamental rights, adequately equipping the next generation to thrive in a digitally driven world.