Mawingu Raises $20M Series C to Expand Internet Access in East Africa
Kenya’s Mawingu, an internet service provider focused on underserved communities, has raised $20 million in Series C funding to scale affordable connectivity across East Africa. The investment came from the Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund II (PRIF II) and is one of the largest capital injections the ISP has received to date.
This fresh round positions Mawingu to accelerate its expansion strategy through infrastructure development and acquisitions of smaller ISPs, while doubling down on its mission to close the digital divide in rural and peri-urban areas.
Scaling Connectivity for Underserved Communities
Mawingu has built its reputation on reaching communities often overlooked by major telecom operators. Its network model blends wireless, fiber, and green-energy solutions to keep costs low while maintaining reliability. With the new funding, the company plans to expand its coverage footprint to additional regions across Kenya, Tanzania, and potentially new East African markets.
The company’s stated goal is ambitious: to positively impact 1 million people by 2028 with affordable internet. This aligns with broader continental goals around digital inclusion, where internet access remains a significant barrier to education, healthcare, and economic growth.
Expansion Through Acquisition
This funding builds on Mawingu’s recent move into Tanzania, where it acquired Habari, a long-standing ISP with operations across seven regions. That deal, supported by a US$15 million debt and equity raise in 2024, gave Mawingu a national license in Tanzania and immediate access to more than 3,000 home users.
By combining acquisitions with new infrastructure builds, Mawingu is adopting a “buy-and-build” strategy that allows for faster scaling while minimizing the costs of entering new markets from scratch. With PRIF II’s backing, the company can accelerate this approach and strengthen its position as a leading regional player.
The Connectivity Challenge in East Africa
While internet penetration in East Africa has grown in recent years, the gap between urban centers and rural communities remains wide. Mobile data, although widespread, is often costly and inconsistent in quality. Fixed internet solutions, particularly fiber, are concentrated in cities, leaving millions without stable access.
Mawingu’s focus on rural and peri-urban coverage places it in a unique niche. If successful, the company could enable affordable broadband access where the digital divide is most pronounced, supporting local businesses, schools, and households.
Balancing Scale, Cost, and Sustainability
Expanding into underserved areas is not without challenges. Infrastructure buildout in rural terrain is capital-intensive, regulatory approvals can be complex, and integration of acquired ISPs comes with operational hurdles.
Another key challenge is affordability. While demand for internet is rising, income levels in target regions mean pricing models must remain flexible. Striking a balance between sustainable margins and accessible pricing will determine how far Mawingu can go in closing the gap.
Still, the $20 million raise demonstrates investor confidence in Mawingu’s strategy and the broader opportunity for digital infrastructure in Africa. If executed well, the company could play a pivotal role in shaping East Africa’s connectivity landscape over the next decade.
