Mawingu Networks is transforming internet access in East Africa through a strategic combination of technological innovation, acquisitions, and a mission to connect underserved rural areas.
The Kenyan internet service provider has secured Ksh 1.9 billion ($15 million) in funding to acquire Habari, a Tanzanian ISP, marking a significant milestone in its regional expansion.
This acquisition positions Mawingu as the largest ISP in East Africa focusing on rural and peri-urban markets.
Mawingu’s network infrastructure includes 175 towers designed to deliver wireless, fiber, and smart green-energy connectivity.
This flexible setup enables the company to overcome the challenges of difficult terrain and market conditions, a crucial advantage in rural African regions.
Celebrating the milestone, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mawingu Networks, Farouk Ramji said: “This acquisition, along with an additional $15 million of financing, will enable Mawingu to deliver its value proposition of affordable internet connectivity to homes in Tanzania that has only connected 300,000 out of 14,000,000 homes.”
Mawingu’s network is built for reliability, featuring redundancy and diversity through dedicated fiber trunks and high-capacity microwave links.
This ensures dependable service in areas often overlooked by larger telecom providers due to high costs and logistical challenges.
The Habari acquisition aligns with Mawingu’s “buy-and-build” growth strategy.
Funding for this expansion comes from prominent impact investors, including:
- Africa Go Green Fund: Providing Ksh 1.4 billion ($11 million) in long-term senior debt
- InfraCo Africa: Contributing part of the Ksh 500 million ($4 million) additional investment
- Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank FMO: Supporting the initiative
Mawingu’s vision goes beyond connectivity, aiming to impact 1 million East Africans by 2028 by democratizing access to education, commerce, entertainment, and social interactions.
Research highlights the transformative potential of internet access in improving education, employment, and income opportunities.
By focusing on affordable connectivity in underserved regions, Mawingu is tackling a longstanding digital divide that has hindered economic progress.
The company’s approach has garnered praise for combining sustainability with innovation.
Laurène Aigrain of the Africa Go Green Fund remarked: “This investment underscores our commitment to a climate-resilient Africa, where connectivity and sustainability go hand-in-hand to support economic growth and environmental stewardship.”