Dar es Salaam. One of East Africa’s leading internet service providers (ISP) focusing on rural and peri-urban areas, Mawingu, has announced its acquisition of Habari, an Arusha-based ISP operating in seven regions of Tanzania.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone in Mawingu’s quest to expand its footprint across East Africa.
The acquisition, supported by Ksh1.9 billion (approximately $15 million) in debt and equity financing, will enable Mawingu to scale its affordable internet services to underserved communities and achieve its target of reaching one million East Africans by 2028.
“Mawingu and Habari share a commitment to enhance digital connectivity in areas that have traditionally been underserved due to high capital costs and logistical challenges,” said Mawingu chief executive officer Farouk Ramji.
“This acquisition brings Habari’s 25 years of experience in delivering internet and ICT solutions to rural households and businesses in Tanzania, significantly accelerating our mission,” he said.
The funding comprises Ksh1.4 billion ($11 million) in long-term senior debt from the Africa Go Green Fund (AGG), managed by Cygnum Capital, and an additional Ksh0.5 billion ($4 million) investment from InfraCo Africa—part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG)—and the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO).
The acquisition will allow Mawingu to replicate its success in Kenya while entering the Tanzanian market.
The company plans to use a ‘buy-and-build’ strategy to acquire and grow ISPs across East Africa, focusing on extending affordable home internet services to areas where only a fraction of households currently have access.
“This is a pivotal moment for the African telecommunications sector,” said Mr Ramji.
“With only 300,000 out of 14 million households in Tanzania connected to the internet, this acquisition—combined with the $15 million financing—will enable us to bring affordable internet connectivity to underserved communities, creating a more inclusive digital economy,” he said.
Mawingu’s success in Kenya, where it has grown from a startup to an established telecom provider, provides a strong foundation for its regional expansion. “We are excited to bring our model to Tanzania and beyond, taking us one step closer to positively impacting one million East Africans by 2028,” mr Ramji added.
Access to the internet is critical for education, employment, and economic growth, yet rural areas in Kenya and Tanzania remain underserved due to high costs and infrastructure challenges.
Mawingu’s approach involves building and operating sustainable networks that address these barriers, ensuring reliable and affordable connectivity in even the most challenging environments.
The managing director of the Africa Go Green Fund, Laurène Aigrain, praised Mawingu’s sustainable approach: “We are thrilled to support an ISP expanding access to remote communities while maintaining sustainability at its core. This investment aligns with our mission to back climate-friendly solutions that drive real change.”
Claire Jarratt, chief Investment officer at InfraCo Africa, highlighted the initiative’s development potential: “Mawingu’s growth demonstrates how innovative businesses can scale in rural markets, attract private sector investment, and contribute to climate change mitigation.”
Marieke Roestenberg, Manager of FMO’s Ventures Programme, also expressed confidence in Mawingu’s strategy: “This acquisition supports Mawingu’s vision of extending affordable internet access across East Africa. We are optimistic that the company’s inclusive model will continue to strengthen connectivity and foster social and economic development across the region.”
With its acquisition of Habari, Mawingu is set to reshape the digital connectivity landscape in Tanzania and the wider East African region, bridging the gap in internet access for millions of people.
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Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.
While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher
Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).
“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.
Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.
The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.
“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.
She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.
“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.
Cross-border transmission
The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.
The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.
Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”
The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.
The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Transparency urged
Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.
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“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.
WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.
“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.
The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Source: allafrica.com
