Boost for Underserved as Mawingu secures Kes2.6Billion Investment for internet rollout across Africa

By Phyllis KONRAD

Internet Service Provider (ISP) Mawingu has secured USD 20 million or Kes2.5 Billion in debt funding backed by Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund II (PRIF II) to enhance its broadband network capacity and reach Africa’s underserved communities.

Speaking on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Farouk RAMJI said the investment was a significant milestone in Mawingu’s long-term expansion strategy, as it aims to impact 1 million people across the continent by 2028 through a combination of disciplined acquisitions of local ISPs as well as the development of digital infrastructure in areas historically left behind due to high capital costs and geographic barriers.

“This strategic funding will accelerate Mawingu’s mission to scale inclusive, sustainable internet access across underserved communities in Africa. It will help us move closer to our goal of positively impacting 1 million people in Africa by 2028,” offered Farouk.

The latest round of investment in the company is part of Mawingu’s expansion strategy, which builds on its successful entry into Tanzania through the acquisition of Habari in 2024.

Mawingu provides affordable, reliable internet to rural and peri-urban communities in Kenya and across East Africa using wireless, solar-powered technology. It has presence across 31 Counties in Kenya with plans to expand its local network ‘where feasible.’

Indeed, the use of the internet across Kenyan households continues to rise as the resource becomes a powerful tool for bridging geographic and socio-economic divides, promoting e-commerce, enabling e-government services, and empowering youth and marginalized communities.

Mobile data continued to drive the data or internet market in Kenya, with total subscriptions at 58.5 million as of the end of June, of which 78.2 per cent were on mobile broadband, according to the latest figures by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), narrowing its figures for the three months to June 2025.

This marked a growth of 27.3 per cent when compared to 52.5 million total subscriptions reported at the end of June 2024. Subscriptions to 4G services constituted the highest broadband subscriptions at 81.2 per cent of the total.

Data also shows that the industry’s leading internet provider, Safaricom, topped in fixed data or Internet subscriptions with a market share of 34.3 per cent, followed by Jamii Telecommunications Limited at 20.6 per cent, while Ahadi Wireless Limited appeared in the top ten list of fixed internet service providers, making it to the ten categories with a market share of 7.5 per cent.