Kenya’s Mawingu Networks has long stood apart in Africa’s connectivity race—not by chasing profits in urban centers, but by building internet infrastructure where most telcos wouldn’t go: rural, underserved communities. Now, that mission faces its next major test as South Africa’s Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund II (PRIF II) moves to acquire a 35% stake in the company.
The potential investment is currently awaiting clearance from the Comesa Competition Commission (CCC). If approved, PRIF II’s infusion would signal a defining chapter for Mawingu—one where scale, strategy, and soul must align.
Founded with the goal of bridging Africa’s digital divide, Mawingu started with repurposed TV white space frequencies—an unconventional but effective approach to delivering affordable wireless internet in rural Kenya. Over the years, its impact attracted global players like Microsoft and the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, which provided a $4.1 million loan facility to support expansion.
Fast forward to 2024: Mawingu raised $15 million in debt to strengthen its fibre footprint in Kenya and acquire Tanzanian ISP, Habari. This regional expansion positioned the company as a cross-border contender in Africa’s growing digital economy.
Yet, the 35% acquisition deal raises new questions:
• Can Mawingu retain its rural-first ethos under private equity control?
• Will the drive for profitability shift focus from underserved populations to more lucrative markets?
In a continent where over 300 million people still lack reliable internet, Mawingu’s model of prioritizing access over convenience is both rare and vital. As African governments lean into digital transformation, with Kenya targeting universal internet coverage by 2030, Mawingu sits at the intersection of public good and private interest.
According to the GSMA, rural mobile internet adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa lags behind urban areas by nearly 40 percentage points, despite increasing 4G availability. With strategic funding and infrastructure upgrades, Mawingu could significantly narrow that gap—provided it stays mission-aligned.
If PRIF II’s bet succeeds, it could offer a replicable model for sustainable rural internet expansion across Africa. But if profit overshadows purpose, a rare beacon in Africa’s connectivity landscape may dim.
Only time will tell if this next phase accelerates transformation or dilutes impact.
