First grant awarded under DECIM Fund’s mini-grid program
25 June 2025
Launch of the “Affordable Digital Devices” component of the DECIM Fund: a step forward toward digital inclusion in Madagascar
Antananarivo, April 11, 2025 – Under the high patronage of Ms. Stéphanie DELMOTTE, Minister of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications, a technical workshop was held today at the Digital Center by MNDPT in Antaninarenina. This event marks the official launch of the component “Affordable digital devices for underserved communities and vulnerable groups” of the DECIM Fund (Digital and Energy Connectivity for Inclusion in Madagascar).
A budget of USD 24 million to bridge the digital divide
With a budget of USD 24 million, this component aims to facilitate access to 664 000 internet-connected digital devices, including 400 000 specifically for women and girls.
Objectives:
- Reduce the digital divide;
- Promote financial inclusion through digital tools.
Funding will be made available to companies specializing in digital device distribution and partner financial institutions.
A dedicated Results-Based Financing (RBF) window
The workshop introduced sector stakeholders to the first window of the “Affordable internet-connected devices sales” facility, supported by a dedicated line of credit.
This initial RBF window will support the distribution of:
Entry- and mid-range smartphones.
Feature phones,
Smart feature phones,
Priority criteria:
- Provide affordable and quality devices;
- Target women as primary users;
- Ensure distribution in remote areas with high poverty rates;
- Promote mobile money to strengthen financial inclusion.
The call for applications will open on April 22, 2025, through the official channels of the DECIM Fund.
