Mawingu, Kenya’s largest internet service provider for rural and peri-urban markets, is celebrating a decade of impactful connectivity, largely due to a partnership with Microsoft that has connected nearly 100,000 people and institutions across 30 counties in Kenya, with recent expansion into Tanzania.
Founded in 2012 by a group of entrepreneurs in Nanyuki, Mawingu aimed to address the significant challenges of connectivity in East Africa, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure, where reliable high-speed internet was both scarce and costly. The social enterprise model of Mawingu has since transformed the landscape of digital inclusion in underserved regions.
In 2013, Microsoft recognized the potential of Mawingu’s vision and provided a grant to help pilot affordable wireless broadband. This collaboration has evolved into a decade-long partnership based on innovation, strategic investments, and shared goals.
Speaking about the milestone, Farouk Ramji, CEO of Mawingu, said: “The internet provides equal opportunities for everyone. By connecting previously underserved communities, the partnership has opened up new possibilities for innovation and participation in the global economy, underlining the importance of inclusive connectivity for Africa’s growth.”
On her part, Phyllis Migwi, the Country Manager for Microsoft Kenya, highlighted the power of strategic partnerships in achieving remarkable results. “Africa has a unique opportunity to become a key player in the global digital economy, driving forward a new wave of technological advancement and prosperity for the continent. Internet connectivity is the lifeblood of the digital economy, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration and support of Mawingu to further expand digital access across Kenya and the broader East Africa community,” she said.
With additional support from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, which invested $4.1 million in 2016, Mawingu expanded its coverage to over three million people across Central Kenya. Microsoft provided invaluable mentorship, technical support, and tools like Azure and Power BI, which helped Mawingu scale operations and optimize its network using AI.
Mawingu’s impact has been profound, affecting various segments of society—from small business owners reaching customers online to schools enhancing their teaching with digital tools and students with special needs accessing educational resources for the first time.
To ensure that connectivity is accompanied by inclusion, Mawingu established the Mawingu Foundation, its social impact branch. This initiative provides subsidized internet to community institutions such as health centers and vocational training institutes, while offering digital literacy programs aimed at empowering women, youth, and people with disabilities. A recent Microsoft grant will enable the Foundation to connect hundreds of institutions, benefitting over 2,500 learners with special needs in 2024.
Looking ahead, Mawingu aims to reach one million East Africans with reliable, affordable internet by 2028. With ongoing support from Microsoft and other partners, the company is well-positioned to further drive digital transformation, ensuring that no one is left behind in our increasingly interconnected world.
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