I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mawingu’s CEO, Farouk Ramji, for an exclusive conversation on their latest milestone: a $15M fundraise and the acquisition of Tanzania’s Habari, a leading ISP based in Arusha. This move cements Mawingu’s position as East Africa’s largest ISP dedicated to rural and peri-urban markets.

Farouk shared insights into Mawingu’s disciplined expansion strategy, which focuses on bridging the digital divide in underserved areas. We discussed how Habari’s 30-year legacy aligns with Mawingu’s mission to deliver affordable, sustainable, and high-quality Internet connectivity. Farouk also revealed their decision to retain the Habari name while refreshing the brand to reflect Mawingu’s innovative ethos.

The $15M funding round, led by Africa Go Green Fund (Cygnum Capital) with support from InfraCo Africa and FMO, will accelerate Mawingu’s deployment of fiber and wireless networks across Kenya and Tanzania. Farouk detailed the challenges and teamwork behind the 18-month fundraising process and how this capital will enable rapid scaling.

Mawingu’s strategy addresses the “last mile” connectivity gap in East Africa, using a phased approach: deploying wireless technology to build customer bases before rolling out fiber in denser areas. With 175 towers supporting its operations, Mawingu is set to replicate its Kenyan success in Tanzania and beyond.

We also explored Mawingu’s people-first philosophy. Farouk highlighted stories of dedicated employees, like Martha, who rose from junior IT staff to a senior leadership role, showcasing the company’s commitment to nurturing talent.

Looking ahead, Mawingu’s 2028 vision to impact 1 million East Africans remains ambitious but achievable. With plans to explore Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, Mawingu is poised to redefine digital connectivity in the region.

Tune in to hear Farouk’s reflections on leadership, the acquisition journey, and what’s next for Mawingu as it scales new heights.

I recently had the privilege of joining Gideon Ruhara on the Kesho Insights Podcast, where we explored some of the most transformative aspects of digital transformation in Kenya Africa.

From mobile technology and AI to overcoming barriers to digital transformation, we had an in-depth discussion on the opportunities and challenges shaping the continent’s digital future. 🎯 Key Topics Discussed [0:00] Why digital transformation is no longer optional for African businesses: We kicked off by looking at the urgency for businesses to embrace digital tools to remain competitive globally.

[3:57] The evolution of Kenya’s digital landscape over 20 years: I reflected on how Dotsavvy grew alongside the digital revolution, from the early days of the internet to the current dominance of social media and mobile technologies.

[6:25] Digital in unexpected industries like construction: WhatsApp and mobile devices are revolutionizing even traditional sectors by streamlining processes and improving communication.

[12:37] Why low labor costs hinder automation in Africa: We discussed how the affordability of labor sometimes creates resistance to adopting digital systems, despite the opportunities for efficiency and cost savings.

[16:01] Mobile technology as Africa’s game-changer: Affordable smartphones, financing options, and increasing connectivity are enabling digital inclusion, even for underserved populations.

[19:40] The untapped potential of AI in Africa: Imagine AI tools tailored for local languages and contexts, bridging barriers in education, commerce, and agriculture. The possibilities are immense.

[21:59] My journey as a content creator: I shared insights on staying consistent, balancing personal branding with corporate goals, and building a niche as a technology and digital marketing thought leader.

[26:31] The rise of short-form video content: If I were starting today, I’d focus on short-form video platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, leveraging AI to enhance production.

[29:47] Repurposing content to reach diverse audiences: I explained how I turn podcasts into blog posts, YouTube videos, newsletters, and even social media snippets to maximize reach and engagement. 🎯 Takeaways

1. Digital transformation is essential for businesses: It’s about rethinking how processes work and leveraging technology to improve outcomes.

2. AI will be transformative for underserved populations: Tools tailored for local languages and contexts could bridge gaps in access and efficiency.

3. Content creation is a journey of consistency and passion: By staying curious and committed, I’ve built a platform that opens doors to new opportunities.

4. Personal branding amplifies corporate messaging: People connect with individuals, making personal branding a powerful tool for business growth. #Kenya #Africa #DigitalTransformation #Content #DigitalContent #ContentCreation #Influencers #PersonalBranding #KeshoInsights #Podcast #SmallBusiness #SME #Business #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Technology #DigitalMarketing #Marketing #SocialMedia

I’m excited to share highlights from the panel discussion I moderated on the 12th November 2024 at the launch of Adili Group’s Cyber Training Arena, Africa’s first and only advanced cybersecurity training facility. This discussion brought together experts from key sectors to explore the challenges and advancements shaping cybersecurity in Africa.

Our Expert Panel Included:

• Rosa Nduati-Mutero (ALN Kenya): She shared her expertise on how governance and regulatory frameworks are critical for cybersecurity.
• Ofir Hason (CyberGym): With extensive experience in cybersecurity, Ofir discussed the threats facing Africa’s critical infrastructure.
• Esther Masese Waititu (Safaricom): Esther provided insights into balancing innovative digital finance solutions with strong security measures.
• Njeri Jomo (Jubilee Health Insurance): Njeri emphasized the need for cybersecurity to protect sensitive health data.
• Joylynn Kirui (Microsoft): Joylynn explained the role of DevSecOps in embedding security into cloud-based development workflows.

Discussion Highlights:

• Global Cyber Threats and Africa’s Landscape: We looked at the global rise in cybercrime and its significant impact on Africa’s finance, healthcare, and critical services.
• AI’s Dual Impact on Cybersecurity: AI is transforming cybersecurity by enabling both attackers and defenders to enhance their capabilities.
• Supporting Cybersecurity for SMEs: Practical ways for small businesses to address cybersecurity, despite limited resources, were also discussed.

Key Takeaways:

1. People, Platforms, and Processes are essential for effective cybersecurity.
2. AI’s Dual Role: AI is an asset and a challenge in cybersecurity.
3. Building Cyber Resilience: Collaboration with regulators, tech providers, and business leaders is key.