Mawingu secures USD 20m to expand internet in Africa’s hard-to-reach areas
Mawingu Chief Executive Officer Farouk Ramji during a press briefing in Nairobi on 1st October 2025. Photo/Sande Onyango
Kenyan internet provider Mawingu has secured $20 million from the Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund II to deepen its reach in underserved communities across Africa.
Chief Executive Officer Mr Farouk Ramji said the funding will accelerate the company’s ambition of connecting one million people by 2028.
“This latest investment is a major milestone. We are getting closer to our goal of positively impacting one million people in Africa by 2028,” he said in Nairobi on Wednesday.
The funds will back Mawingu’s “buy-and-build” model. It combines acquisition of smaller internet service providers with the construction of sustainable infrastructure in areas often left behind due to cost and terrain.
Founded in Kenya in 2012, Mawingu now connects over 26,000 homes and businesses in 31 counties, with more than 200 base stations.
The company recently expanded into Tanzania through its 2024 acquisition of Habari, extending services to nine regions including Arusha, Dodoma and Mwanza.
Mr Ramji said the new investment will not only strengthen its Kenyan operations but also support future growth across the region.
Pembani Remgro’s Mr Ridwaan Tayob said Mawingu’s track record in tough markets convinced the fund to invest.
“Their disciplined growth and innovation in underserved areas makes them an ideal partner. We are confident in their ability to scale sustainably across Africa,” he said.
He stressed that Africa’s broadband gap remains wide.
“Only a fraction of households on the continent have fixed broadband. Supporting providers like Mawingu is key to unlocking digital inclusion and economic growth,” Mr Tayob added.