Mawingu, a Kenyan internet service provider (ISP) dedicated to bridging the digital divide in underserved communities, has successfully raised $20 million in a Series C funding round. The investment was led exclusively by Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers, a private equity firm focused on infrastructure development across Africa.
This latest capital injection marks a significant milestone in Mawingu’s mission to deliver affordable, reliable internet access to marginalized populations. The funds will be used to expand network coverage across Kenya, bringing the company closer to its ambitious goal of connecting one million East Africans by 2028. Mawingu currently serves over 120,000 users, primarily in rural and peri-urban areas.
Mawingu CEO Farouk Ramji acknowledged the challenges of raising capital in today’s economic climate, emphasizing that the successful round is a testament to the company’s resilience, execution, and impact-driven model.
Raising capital in today’s environment is no small feat. It demands execution, resilience, and extraordinary people.
This Series C is more than just a financing milestone. It’s a celebration of our people, our partners, and the shared belief that connectivity can transform lives. Together, we are building a company rooted in impact and financial sustainability.
The Series C round builds on Mawingu’s regional expansion strategy, which gained momentum in 2024 with the acquisition of Habari, a Tanzanian ISP with over 25 years of experience. That move was financed through a $15 million mix of debt and equity, backed by investors including Africa Go Green Fund (AGG), InfraCo Africa, and the Dutch development bank FMO.
This “buy-and-build” approach allows Mawingu to rapidly scale its footprint by acquiring established local ISPs, leveraging their infrastructure and market knowledge to accelerate growth. The acquisition of Habari gave Mawingu an immediate presence in Tanzania, where internet penetration remains low, only 300,000 of 14 million households are currently connected.
Mawingu’s model combines solar-powered wireless technology with a community-centric approach, enabling it to overcome the cost and logistical barriers that have historically deterred larger telecom providers from entering these markets.
Founded with a mission to democratize internet access, Mawingu focuses on delivering connectivity to communities traditionally excluded from mainstream digital infrastructure. Reliable internet is a critical enabler for education, healthcare, commerce, and economic mobility, yet remains inaccessible to millions across East Africa due to high costs and limited infrastructure.
Mawingu’s dual focus on social impact and financial sustainability has attracted a strong base of infrastructure-focused investors. In addition to Pembani Remgro, existing shareholders include E3 Capital, FMO Investment Management, InfraCo Africa, and Microsoft.
With the new $20 million funding, Mawingu is set to deepen its presence in Kenya, enhancing service delivery and expanding coverage to more remote areas. The company also plans to replicate its model in other East African markets, signaling its intent to become a regional leader in inclusive connectivity. As East Africa continues to digitize, Mawingu’s innovative approach positions it as a key player in shaping a more connected, equitable future for the region.
