Regulators Review 35% Acquisition Deal for Mawingu by African Infrastructure Investor

The COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) has officially launched an inquiry into the proposed acquisition of a controlling interest in Kenya-based Mawingu Networks Limited  by Pambili Remgro Infrastructure Fund II (PRIF II)  through a newly formed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

The transaction involves PRIF II acquiring a 35% stake in Mawingu, an internet service provider (ISP) that delivers affordable fixed wireless connectivity solutions to rural and peri-urban communities across Kenya. Mawingu is incorporated in Mauritius and operates under a global business license.

PRIF II, a South Africa-based closed-end infrastructure investment fund, intends to use the SPV solely for this acquisition. The fund is focused on investing in equity and related instruments in infrastructure-related sectors across Africa. Within the COMESA region, PRIF II and its affiliated entities have operational footprints in several countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Zambia.

The Commission has noted that there are no overlapping horizontal business activities between the acquiring group and the target firm within the Common Market. However, a limited vertical relationship exists, as Mawingu leases space and interconnection services from a Kenyan data centre owned by the acquiring group. These interactions are considered minimal and are not expected to influence competition in any significant way.

The CCC will assess whether the proposed acquisition could substantially lessen competition or negatively impact the public interest across the COMESA region.

In line with its regulatory mandate, the Commission has invited all stakeholders—competitors, suppliers, and customers—to submit written representations or concerns about the transaction no later than 1 July 2025. Submissions can be directed to Mr. Mengistu Debessay, Principal Analyst, at mdebessay@comesacompetition.org.

The Commission has assured that all representations will be treated confidentially and used exclusively for the purpose of this inquiry.