MAWINGU INTERNET ANNOUNCES ITS PLAN TO EXPAND AFFORDABLE INTERNET ACCESS TO UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES ACROSS AFRICA

Mawingu Chief Executive Officer Farouk Ramji (right) during the announcement of a $20 million investment by Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund II to expand affordable internet access across Africa.

By: Glad Tv Kenya reporter 

Mawingu, East Africa’s largest internet service provider (ISP) focused on rural and peri-urban markets, has secured a $20 million investment from Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund II (PRIF II) to accelerate its expansion across underserved communities in Africa.

The funding marks a major step in Mawingu’s long-term strategy to extend affordable digital infrastructure, with a goal of reaching one million people across the continent by 2028. The ISP plans to achieve this through targeted acquisitions of local providers and the rollout of sustainable broadband networks in regions where access has historically been limited by high costs and geographic challenges.

Mawingu Chief Executive Officer Farouk Ramji described the investment as a turning point for the company’s ambitions.

 “As a multi-country operator with a dedicated focus on rural and peri-urban markets, this latest funding marks a defining moment for Mawingu. It strengthens our ability to bridge the digital divide in communities that have been left behind for far too long. With this partnership, we are not only expanding our footprint but also ensuring that affordable, reliable, and meaningful connectivity reaches the people who need it most. Our mission is clear  to positively impact one million people across Africa by 2028, and this support takes us a significant step closer to that goal.”

The company has already demonstrated its expansion model in Tanzania, where it acquired Habari in 2024. Since then, Mawingu has secured a national license, connected more than 3,000 new home users, and extended coverage to nine regions, including Arusha, Dodoma, Iringa, Manyara, Mara, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, Morogoro, and Shinyanga.

From PRIF II’s perspective, the investment reflects confidence in Mawingu’s ability to deliver impact at scale. Ridwaan Tayob, who led the transaction, emphasized the broader vision behind the deal.

“Mawingu has proven that with discipline, innovation, and a deep understanding of underserved markets, it is possible to build commercially viable internet services in some of the most challenging environments in Africa. Their track record speaks volumes from expanding rapidly in Kenya to successfully entering the Tanzanian market. For us at PRIF II, this is more than just an investment; it is a commitment to unlocking opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and economic growth across the continent. We believe Mawingu has the right model and leadership to scale sustainably and inclusively, and we are excited to walk this journey with them.”

Fixed broadband penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa remains low, with only about 12 percent of households connected, compared to widespread mobile internet usage. The World Bank estimates that a 10 percent increase in broadband penetration can raise GDP growth in developing countries by 1.38 percent, underscoring the potential impact of initiatives like Mawingu’s.

Founded in 2012 in Nanyuki, Kenya, Mawingu currently serves more than 26,000 homes and businesses across 31 counties and operates over 200 base stations. The ISP uses a combination of wireless, fiber, and green-energy technology to deliver affordable and reliable internet to underserved markets.

PRIF II, launched in 2021, is managed by Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers (PRIM) and focuses on digital connectivity, energy, transport, and logistics across Africa.