Mawingu, a leading Internet Service Provider (ISP) in East Africa, has announced the acquisition of Habari, a Tanzanian ISP with operations spanning across seven regions in Tanzania. This strategic acquisition is a significant move toward enhancing digital connectivity in the region, especially in underserved rural and peri-urban areas.
Strategic Acquisition to Expand Reach
With over 25 years of experience, Habari has been providing Internet and ICT solutions to households and businesses across Tanzania. Mawingu’s acquisition of Habari is aimed at accelerating its mission of providing affordable internet access to East Africa’s rural communities, which have historically been neglected due to high costs and logistical challenges.
To support this expansion, Mawingu has raised KSh 1.9 billion (approximately $15 million) through a mix of debt and equity financing. This includes KSh 1.4 billion ($11 million) in long-term senior debt provided by the Africa Go Green Fund (AGG), managed by Cygnum Capital. Additionally, InfraCo Africa and the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank FMO have contributed an investment of KSh 0.5 billion ($4 million).
Mawingu’s Vision for East Africa
Mawingu, which has already made significant strides in Kenya, aims to replicate its success in Tanzania and further expand into the broader East African market. The acquisition of Habari is expected to provide a solid foundation for scaling Mawingu’s affordable home internet services in Tanzania and beyond. The company’s objective is to reach one million East Africans by 2028.
“Mawingu’s growth from a startup to a key player in the Kenyan telecom industry has been incredible, and this acquisition marks a pivotal moment in our journey,” said Farouk Ramji, CEO of Mawingu. “We are excited to bring affordable internet to more homes in Tanzania, where only 300,000 of the country’s 14 million homes currently have access to reliable internet.”
Addressing the Digital Gap in East Africa
The digital gap in East Africa remains significant, with rural areas facing challenges in accessing reliable and affordable internet services. Mawingu’s approach to building, owning, and operating sustainable networks is key to overcoming these challenges. By deploying networks in difficult rural and peri-urban environments, Mawingu is ensuring that more communities have access to the digital tools necessary for education, employment, and economic development.
Expanding Beyond Tanzania
The acquisition of Habari is just the first step in Mawingu’s broader strategy to bring internet access to underserved regions in East Africa. With the backing of partners like the Africa Go Green Fund, InfraCo Africa, and FMO, Mawingu is poised to scale rapidly in the region.
“The acquisition of Habari will not only enable Mawingu to expand its presence in Tanzania but also lay the groundwork for further acquisitions across the East African market,” said Laurène Aigrain, Managing Director of Africa Go Green Fund. “Mawingu’s focus on sustainability and its commitment to affordable digital access is exactly the type of investment that drives real change in Africa.”
A Bright Future for East African Connectivity
Mawingu’s ultimate goal is to empower communities by delivering meaningful connectivity and providing opportunities for economic and social growth. As the company continues to scale, it is set to become a leading force in East Africa’s digital transformation, helping millions of people connect to the future.
The acquisition of Habari marks a milestone in Mawingu’s vision of creating a digitally connected East Africa, one where reliable, affordable internet services are accessible to all.
