In an era where internet access is recognised as a fundamental human right, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to grapple with the largest connectivity, coverage, and usage gaps globally. Despite the transformative potential of the internet, meaningful connectivity remains a scarce and costly resource, particularly for community anchor institutions such as schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities.

The implications of this digital divide are profound. As early as 2016, World Bank researchers highlighted that a mere 10 percent increase in broadband penetration could boost GDP growth by 1.38 percent. This statistic underscores the significant economic impact of expanding internet access, especially in developing regions like Africa. Yet, the reality on the ground reveals a stark contrast, with millions still disconnected from the digital world.

In 2012, entrepreneurs in the small town of Nanyuki, Kenya, located on the foothills of Mount Kenya, set out to find a solution to this formidable challenge, beginning with a vision to bring low-cost internet to a part of Kenya that was largely disconnected from the world. This was the start of Mawingu.

Since then, Mawingu has become a pioneering company dedicated to bringing quality speed, affordable internet to underserved regions in Kenya and East Africa. In fact, the company is now the largest internet service provider in Kenya, dedicated to the rural and peri urban markets in the country. Much of its success stems from its versatility. By using wireless, fibre, and smart green-energy technology, Mawingu has been able to adapt to changing terrain demands and market conditions. Through a partnership with Microsoft to rapidly expand its capabilities, the enterprising scale-up has become a thriving social enterprise, not only transforming Nanyuki but also significantly impacting millions of lives across Kenya.

Through its social impact arm, the Mawingu Foundation, the company continues to amplify the benefits of internet connectivity by promoting digital literacy and inclusion. Mawingu connects community anchor institutions, such as health centres, technical and vocational education centres, and schools, ensuring that the transformative power of the internet reaches those who need it most.

Collaborating to break down barriers to digital inclusion

Mawingu understood the power of collaboration in helping bridge the digital divide. A year after Mawingu’s inception, Microsoft came on board, providing the company with a grant to support a pilot project to deliver low-cost, high-speed wireless broadband. The connectivity would help to create new opportunities for commerce, education, healthcare and the delivery of government services across Kenya.

For the past decade, the collaboration has played a pivotal role in supporting Mawingu’s mission to expand its reach, particularly through enabling strategic investments, mentorship, and technical support.

A significant milestone in this journey was investment from the Development Finance Institute (DFC) formerly known as Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). In 2016, DFC committed a $4.1 million loan to Mawingu, enabling the company to commercially expand its coverage to Central Kenya, collectively reaching over three million people.

Beyond financial support, Microsoft has offered mentorship and training programmes to Mawingu’s team, enhancing their technical and operational skills. This has been crucial in promoting digital literacy and bridging the digital skills gap in local communities.

Harnessing the power of AI

Through constant evolution and leveraging Microsoft’s digital solutions, Mawingu has significantly enhanced its capabilities over the years. For instance, by integrating AI-powered tools, the company can now optimise network performance, predict maintenance needs, and provide personalised user experiences, ensuring efficient and reliable internet services. AI also helps Mawingu pinpoint areas with the greatest demand for internet, allowing for strategic expansion. Using Azure’s cloud computing capabilities has enabled the company to manage and scale operations effectively, while Power BI equips it with the ability to analyse data and gain valuable insights for informed decision-making and service improvements.

The numbers tell a powerful story

Since then, Mawingu has seen tremendous growth, bringing high-speed internet to many Kenyans in remote areas. By the end of 2024, Mawingu’s network had expanded to cover 30 counties in Kenya, availing internet coverage to 9.7 million people, allowing them to access information, education, and new opportunities.

“The internet provides equal opportunities for everyone. By connecting people, particularly those who previously lacked access, it offers a whole new world of possibilities. Being on the right side of the digital divide means communities can thrive, innovate, and fully participate in the global economy,” says Farouk Ramji, CEO of Mawingu.

Indeed, small business owners such as Jane Atieno have experienced the formidable impact of reliable connectivity on economic advancement. “Thanks to Mawingu’s affordable internet, my business has grown significantly. I can now reach customers online and manage my operations more efficiently,” she says.

The introduction of affordable WiFi has made a significant difference in the lives of many such Kenyans. Health clinic workers, schoolteachers, and students have all experienced the benefits of having reliable internet access.

In the words of school Principal, Jared Mure: “Our students now have access to a wealth of educational resources. This has transformed our teaching methods and improved student engagement and performance.”

“Having access to the internet has made a huge difference in my studies. I can now research and access online courses that were previously unavailable to me,” adds student, David Kamau.

Building on their success in Kenya, Mawingu has recently expanded its operations to Tanzania. This expansion aims to replicate the positive impact seen in Kenya, bringing affordable and reliable internet to underserved communities in Tanzania. With Microsoft’s continued support, Mawingu is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of many more people across East Africa and beyond.

Driving access among underserved groups

In Africa, it is estimated that around 10 to 20 percent of the population has a disability. For many, interacting with an inaccessible world leads to severe consequences, often resulting in lower education levels. Schools in Africa also typically lack sufficient resources to support children with disabilities, leading to higher dropout rates compared to peers without disabilities.

To help overcome challenges such as these, Microsoft has provided extensive support to the Mawingu Foundation over the years to promote digital inclusion across Kenya. The Foundation was created to bridge internet access and affordability barriers by providing extended and highly subsidised connectivity to institutions and communities that need it most. This has been achieved through an innovative model whereby the Foundation leverages the network that has been established by Mawingu, helping ensure that the solution is affordable to community anchor institutions.

More recently, the Foundation established a content hub with Microsoft’s assistance, focusing on increasing connectivity adoption among women, girls, and persons with disabilities. In June 2024, Microsoft awarded another grant to connect more institutions, including technical vocational education and training institutes (TVETs), co-operative societies, schools, colleges, and community centres. This grant enabled Mawingu to connect a significant number of special schools, benefiting over 2,523 pupils with special needs.

By providing high-speed, low-cost internet access, Mawingu is enabling teachers and students with disabilities to access educational materials, assistive technologies, and online learning platforms that enhance their learning experiences and opportunities. This connectivity has fostered greater inclusion and independence, allowing students to thrive academically and socially, and breaking down barriers that previously limited their potential.

Poised for ongoing growth

2025 sees the 10-year anniversary of the Microsoft-Mawingu partnership, and the journey continues with ambitious goals. Mawingu aims to avail internet coverage to 28 million East Africans by Dec 2025, providing affordable, reliable internet and fostering digital literacy to expand community impact.

“It is becoming increasingly evident that affordable internet access is a catalyst for economic empowerment. Mawingu is steadfast in its mission of opening opportunities to ensure that digital transformation reaches as many Africans as possible, unlocking potential and fostering growth,” says Ramji.

“Microsoft has travelled a long journey with Mawingu, and the incredible results seen here are testament to the power of these strategic partnerships and coalitions. 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 support of Mawingu to further expand digital access across Kenya and the broader East Africa community,” says Phyllis Migwi, Country Manager, Microsoft Kenya.

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