Internet service provider, Mawingu, has begun its network expansion drive to 25 additional counties across Kenya after receiving a 1.12 Billion funding secured in February 2023.
Giving a progress update, Mawingu’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Farouk RAMJI says: “With the reception of the KSh 1.12 Billion funding in February, we have begun to expedite Mawingu’s mid-term growth strategy of expanding our connectivity to 25 additional counties across Kenya this year.”
Already operational in 15 counties and with more than 7,500 active customers, Mawingu closed their Series B investment in February 2023, which also brought on board a new investor, InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) from the United Kingdom, to join Mawingu’s institutional investors E3 Capital, a firm that invests in companies with digitized, decentralized, and decarbonized innovative business models, and the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank FMO, which focuses on sustainable private sector investments in emerging markets.
Mr. RAMJI adds: “We have now connected an additional 2,000 homes and businesses across 7 new counties to our network. These customers consume an average 8GB of data daily, which could easily translate to anything between KSh 20,000 to KSh 30,000 monthly for a 240GB data bundle on a conventional 4G network. However, Mawingu customers get to access unlimited meaningful Internet for only KSh 2,500 monthly.”
Mawingu has in the past 4 months connected towns which have not been well served and generally neglected by the larger players in the industry, in the following counties: Kilifi, Kwale, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisii, and Migori. The Internet service provider has now cumulatively connected 22 counties to its network, serving over 9,500 homes and businesses. It is the country’s largest Internet service provider catering to rural Kenya.
Mr. RAMJI adds: “Providing connectivity access to these areas which other providers do not give primary priority due to the high capital cost and logistical complexities involved in ensuring a stable, reliable and affordable service, is in line with our long-term vision of offering meaningful Internet connectivity, at very competitive price points comparative to other service providers, by building sustainable, flexible infrastructure in underserved regions.”
Apart from Mawingu customers getting to access unlimited meaningful Internet for only KSh 2,500 monthly, the Internet service provider has also increased its minimum speeds across its Internet packages for homes and small businesses, as well as dedicated connections and services for large enterprises. In addition, it is testing fiber in some existing markets, as it seeks to further improve Internet quality in the coming months. Mawingu combines wireless and fiber technology, as well as solar power, to distribute low-cost, affordable, and reliable Internet to its customers.
Mr. RAMJI concluded “Mawingu’s aim is not to simply drop an Internet cable at someone’s house. We seek to help our
customers access new opportunities for work, education, entertainment, and social connections through the power of the Internet. Our company’s mission is driven by this very purpose: Open Opportunities.”
In the last quarter of 2022, Mawingu rebranded, introducing a new logo, a fresh set of company values, and its renewed mission, all reflective of its long-term vision to open opportunities to customers across the region. It is now positioning itself as a provider of quality Internet at affordable rates, with the capacity and desire to connect frontier regions that have never had access to meaningful Internet.