Mawingu Secures $20 Million to Bridge the Digital Divide in Rural Africa
East Africa’s leading rural internet service provider, Mawingu, has received a significant boost in its mission to connect underserved communities, securing $20 million in funding from the Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Fund II (PRIF II). This investment will enable Mawingu to significantly scale its operations and expand affordable internet access across rural and peri-urban areas.
# Expanding Connectivity for Economic Growth
The lack of fixed broadband penetration remains a significant challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, with only around 12% of households currently connected. Addressing this digital divide is crucial for fostering economic growth. The World Bank estimates that a 10% increase in broadband penetration could lead to a 1.38% boost in GDP. Mawingu’s expansion efforts are therefore poised to have a substantial impact on the region’s economic development. The company plans to reach 1 million people by 2028. Their growth strategy involves a “buy-and-build” approach, combining strategic acquisitions of local ISPs with the development of new digital infrastructure. Demonstrating this approach, Mawingu expanded into Tanzania earlier in 2024 through the acquisition of Habari, gaining a national license and adding over 3,000 users across nine regions.
This substantial investment in Mawingu underscores the growing recognition of the importance of bridging the digital divide in Africa. By expanding affordable internet access, Mawingu is not only connecting communities but also unlocking significant opportunities for economic growth and social development across the continent.
Keywords
Related Keywords: Mawingu, Rural Internet Africa, Africa Internet Expansion, Internet Service Provider Africa, Affordable Internet Africa, 20M Funding Mawingu, Rural Broadband Africa, Connecting Rural Africa, Digital Divide Africa, Internet Access Africa
