Kenyan internet service provider (ISP) Mawingu has secured a $20 million (Ksh.2.6 billion) investment from Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund II (PRIF II) to expand affordable digital infrastructure across Africa.

The start-up, founded in 2012, provides shared internet packages in rural and peri-urban areas, targeting homes and small businesses, as well as dedicated connections and services for large enterprises.

PRIF II is an African infrastructure investment fund by the South Africa-based Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers, and the investment marks a major step in Mawingu’s long-term growth strategy to connect 1 million people across the continent by 2028.

Mawingu CEO Farouk Ramji said they plan to achieve this through a mix of strategic acquisitions of local ISPs and the rollout of digital infrastructure in regions historically overlooked due to high investment costs and geographical barriers.

He said Mawingu is using a “buy-and-build” strategy, which combines the acquisition of successful local ISPs with the development of sustainable networks capable of serving hard-to-reach communities.

The company’s most recent expansion came through the 2024 acquisition of Tanzanian ISP Habari, which has since been rebranded under Mawingu’s umbrella.

This was in the backdrop of a $15 million backing from AfricaGoGreen Fund, InfraCo Africa, and the FMO.

Following the acquisition, Mawingu obtained a national operating license in Tanzania and says it has since added more than 3,000 home users.

He said Mawingu is using a “buy-and-build” strategy, which combines the acquisition of successful local ISPs with the development of sustainable networks capable of serving hard-to-reach communities.

The company’s most recent expansion came through the 2024 acquisition of Tanzanian ISP Habari, which has since been rebranded under Mawingu’s umbrella.

This was in the backdrop of a $15 million backing from AfricaGoGreen Fund, InfraCo Africa, and the FMO.

Following the acquisition, Mawingu obtained a national operating license in Tanzania and says it has since added more than 3,000 home users.