Mawingu, a Kenyan internet service provider (ISP) focused on underserved communities, has secured USD 20 million in a Series C funding round.The round was led entirely by Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers, a private equity fund specializing in African infrastructureThe capital will be deployed to expand Mawingu’s network coverage across Kenya, intensifying its push to bring reliable and affordable internet to rural areas. Currently, the company serves over 120,000 people and plans to reach 1 million East Africans by 2028.
CEO Farouk Ramji acknowledged how challenging it is to raise sizable funds in the current market, emphasizing that this investment validates Mawingu’s model and team:
“Raising capital in today’s environment is no small feat … 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.”
This latest round builds on Mawingu’s regional growth strategy. In 2024 the company raised USD 15 million, part of which financed the acquisition of Habari, a long-established Tanzanian ISP. move gave Mawingu an entry point into Tanzania’s rural connectivity challenges, where very few of its ~14 million households are online. Mawingu’s model combines solar-powered wireless infrastructure with a community-oriented deployment to drive down costs, especially in locations often neglected by major telcos. Its mission is to close the digital divide, enabling access to education, commerce, healthcare, and more for communities traditionally excluded from high-speed internet.
Investors backing Mawingu now include E3 Capital, FMO Investment Management, InfraCo Africa, Microsoft, and now Pembani Remgro. With this fresh injection, Mawingu is poised to deepen its Kenyan footprint and explore replicating its model in other East African markets.
