Kenyan internet service provider Mawingu has raised $20 million in a Series C funding round led by Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers. The deal marks one of the largest financing milestones for a connectivity startup in Kenya, underscoring the importance of bridging Africa’s digital divide. With the new capital, the company aims to scale its services across Kenya and strengthen its regional expansion strategy.
Driving Connectivity in Underserved Communities
Founded with the mission to provide meaningful internet access, Mawingu has grown to connect more than 120,000 people across East Africa. Its model relies on affordable, reliable, and community-based wireless networks powered by solar technology. The company’s long-term vision is to bring connectivity to one million Africans by 2028, opening access to education, commerce, and healthcare.
Leadership Perspective
Chief Executive Officer Farouk Ramji emphasized that securing funding in the current economic environment is a major validation of Mawingu’s approach. He credited the achievement to the resilience of the team and their ability to execute despite challenging market conditions. Ramji described the round as more than just capital, calling it a celebration of people, partners, and the shared belief that connectivity transforms lives.
Strategic Regional Expansion
The Series C round builds on Mawingu’s earlier acquisition of Tanzanian internet provider Habari in 2024. That move was financed by $15 million in a mix of debt and equity, backed by investors including the Africa Go Green Fund, InfraCo Africa, and Dutch development bank FMO. By acquiring Habari, which had over two decades of experience serving rural and peri-urban markets, Mawingu established a buy-and-build strategy designed to accelerate regional growth.
The Tanzanian Foothold
With only about 300,000 of Tanzania’s 14 million households connected to the internet, Mawingu saw significant opportunity to expand. Habari’s existing infrastructure gave the company an immediate presence in the market while enabling it to introduce its solar-powered wireless solutions. This approach allows Mawingu to reduce costs and overcome geographic barriers that have discouraged larger telecommunications providers from entering underserved areas.
Investor Backing and Validation
The $20 million investment by Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers highlights growing investor interest in infrastructure-driven connectivity solutions. Existing shareholders, including E3 Capital, FMO Investment Management, InfraCo Africa, and Microsoft, have supported Mawingu’s mission of aligning social impact with financial sustainability. The combination of development finance institutions, private equity, and corporate backers has positioned the company to pursue long-term growth while maintaining affordability.
The Broader Mission
Mawingu was created to close the digital gap that limits opportunities for millions across East Africa. Its focus on underserved communities reflects the urgent need for low-cost, scalable solutions in regions where traditional telecom models have failed. The company’s commitment to impact-driven growth has made it a standout player in Africa’s emerging connectivity sector.
With fresh capital from its Series C round, Mawingu is set to expand its network coverage in Kenya while preparing to replicate its model in other East African markets. The company’s progress demonstrates how localized strategies, combined with strong investor backing, can reshape digital access across the continent. As it pushes toward its goal of reaching one million people by 2028, Mawingu is positioning itself as a key force in the transformation of Africa’s digital landscape.