In Kenya’s bustling peri-urban neighbourhoods, where reliable internet was once a distant dream, Poa Internet is quietly transforming lives.
Founded in 2015, the company delivers affordable Wi-Fi to low-income households, unlocking access to jobs, education, and digital services.
Backed by the Boost Africa initiative, a joint effort by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and African Development Bank with support from the European Commission, Poa is proving that inclusive connectivity is not just possible. It is catalytic.
“We are not just selling the internet. We are building futures,” says Andy Halsall, Poa’s co-founder and CEO.
Before the Boost: Building Infrastructure Without a Blueprint
Before receiving venture capital, Poa faced a daunting challenge: building infrastructure in areas where none existed.
“Fibre typically runs into high-end communities but doesn’t go into the areas where we operate,” Halsall explains. “We had to build infrastructure from scratch, and that costs money.”
The company’s mission was clear: serve the 80% of Kenyans priced out of connectivity. But the cost of deploying fixed-line infrastructure in informal settlements and satellite towns was prohibitive.
“The biggest challenge to offering affordable internet is the cost of building infrastructure in mass-market communities,” Halsall adds. “That’s where Boost Africa came in.”
With capital support from the Boost Africa Initiative through Seedstars Ventures, a private equity fund supported by the European Investment Bank, Poa expanded its network deeper into underserved zones, enabling it to reach more households with unlimited data at low prices.
Strategy, and the Boost Africa Effect
Through its investment, Seedstars holds a board seat and plays an active role in shaping Poa’s governance and strategy.
“They have helped define our governance and influence our go-to-market and expansion strategy,” Halsall shares with Khusoko. “It is not just about money. It’s about expertise, networks, and support.”
He adds that the founder-investor dynamic was surprisingly collaborative:
“Good investors become your biggest supporters. They ask tough questions, but they do it in a way that helps you grow.”
This partnership has helped Poa refine its product-market fit, strengthen internal systems, and prepare for regional expansion.
By the Numbers
A study by Altai Consulting, commissioned by EIB, reveals Poa’s deep social and economic footprint:
| Impact Area | Result |
| First-time home Wi-Fi users | 62% |
| Users reporting increased income/savings | 68% |
| Users relying on Poa for work | 85% |
| Users learning new skills | 83% |
| Users expanding professional networks | 82% |
“We are seeing people start online businesses, take remote jobs, and access education, all because they are finally connected,” Halsall emphasises.
How Poa Works: Lean, Local, and Scalable
Poa installs Wi-Fi hotspots and home connections in densely populated areas, charging as little as KES 1,500 per month. The model is lean, community-driven, and scalable.
- Local Installers: Youth are trained to deploy and maintain networks, thus creating employment.
- Digital Literacy: Onboarding support helps users navigate online tools, promoting digital literacy.
- Flexible Payments: Mobile money integration allows micro-renewals.
The company also partners with local schools and community centers to promote digital literacy and safe internet use.
“The lack of digital infrastructure in lower-income areas is the heart of the problem we’re solving,” Halsall says. “That’s what we use our capital for—to build infrastructure and offer unlimited data at a very low price.”
Regional Expansion Plans: From Nairobi to Kampala
With the European Investment Bank’s backing, Poa is exploring expansion into Uganda and Tanzania. The company’s modular infrastructure and community-first approach make it replicable across East Africa.
“We believe every African deserves affordable internet. That’s not a slogan—it’s our operating principle,” Halsall says.
The company’s model aligns with Africa’s digital inclusion goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, offering a scalable blueprint for connectivity in underserved regions.
Lessons for African Entrepreneurs
Halsall offers candid advice for founders navigating early-stage growth:
“If you want to access capital, you need to tell a story investors understand. Think from their perspective: how will your business grow, how will their money be used, and what’s the return?”
He also stresses the importance of team building:
“It is expensive to hire before revenue, but a great team helps you grow faster and fills the gaps in your expertise.”
His advice is rooted in experience. Poa’s success has been shaped not just by funding, but by the strength of its people and the clarity of its mission.
Building Africa’s Digital Backbone
Poa’s work supports:
- Kenya’s Digital Economy Blueprint
- AU Agenda 2063
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
Its model directly addresses the “usage gap,” connecting people who want to be online but are priced out by traditional providers.
“The failure of the internet in Africa is not in demand. It’s infrastructure,” Halsall says. “We solve that by going where others won’t.”
Poa Internet’s story is more than a startup success. It is a blueprint for inclusive infrastructure. As Kenya eyes universal broadband and East Africa deepens its digital economy, ventures like Poa are essential.
From Kawangware to Kampala, the future is online—and Poa is helping build it
