New UK funding for innovative mobile phone technology is set to transform lives in the world's poorest countries, as Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, announced on Thursday, February 29.

According to the UK government website, the funding will support the Mobile for Development Programme, which focuses on providing mobile and digital technologies to help people access new opportunities and improve their livelihoods.

"The programme, funded by the UK in partnership with the GSMA and the private sector, has benefited over 94 million people and focuses on women and girls, climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience, and scaling up innovative solutions," it added.

Harnessing AI technology to provide real-time agricultural advice to farmers in Nigeria and pay-as-you-go solar-powered fridges are just some of the ways UK-funded mobile technology is improving livelihoods globally.

At a speech at the ongoing Mobile World Congress in Spain, Minister Mitchell is set to announce the UK providing £37.3 million of new support for the Mobile for Development Programme, to help more people access mobile and digital technologies to find new opportunities and boost their livelihoods.

Minister Mitchell emphasised the potential of mobile technology to revolutionise the lives of the poor, particularly in addressing the effects of climate change, creating jobs, and boosting opportunities for women.

The new funding aims to reach an additional 110 million people, including 60 million women.

Andrew Mitchell said, "Mobile technology has the potential to revolutionise the lives of the poor by helping tackle the effects of climate change, creating jobs and boosting opportunities for women. 

John Giusti, President of the GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation, highlighted the partnership's impact in driving socio-economic and climate impact through digital innovation, improving the lives of over 127 million people.

At the Mobile World Congress, GSMA will announce the grantees for its Climate Resilience and Adaptation Fund, which aims to test and scale up new technology to combat the effects of climate change in Africa and Asia.