Ilitha Telecommunications
OperatingAffordable prepaid fibre broadband for South African townships, peri-urban and rural communities
- Internet Service Provider
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Debt Financing
- Founded 2019
- ilitha.com ↗
- Total raised
- $55.9M
- disclosed
- Last round
- $30.4M
- Debt Financing
- Rounds
- 2
- since 2019
- Investors
- 2
- on record
About Ilitha Telecommunications
Ilitha Telecommunications (Ilitha Telecoms) is a South African fibre network builder, operator and internet service provider founded in 2019. It deploys fibre-to-the-home networks and Wi-Fi hotspots in townships, peri-urban and rural areas neglected by mainstream providers, selling flexible pay-as-you-go plans (from about R3 a day or R90 a month) and a 'nomadic' broadband model that keeps customers connected across participating homes. The company reports that it has connected homes in 27 communities across the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, completed a 10,000-home rollout in Mthatha in 2026, and aims to connect 500,000-600,000 low-income homes. It is exploring services on top of connectivity such as education content and virtual healthcare (with TruMD). Ilitha says its initial investment came from Microsoft Airband; Meridiam acquired a majority stake in January 2025 via its TURF B fund, and Absa CIB provided a R500m financing facility in August 2026. Founder and CEO Vuyani Jarana is a former Vodacom Business and South African Airways chief executive.
Ilitha Telecommunications funding2 rounds
All 2 rounds →Ilitha Telecommunications has raised $55.9M across 2 disclosed rounds. The latest is a $30.4M Debt Financing announced 28 Aug 2026, led by Absa CIB.
- $25.5MFunding RoundFunding Round, $25.5M, $25.5M raised to date
- $30.4MDebt FinancingDebt Financing, $30.4M, $55.9M raised to date
SLA Funding Index · grey is capital raised before each round
Who has invested in Ilitha Telecommunications
| Announced | Round | Lead · investors | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Aug 2026 | Ilitha Telecommunications Debt Financing | Absa CIB | $30.4M |
| 23 Jan 2025 | Ilitha Telecommunications Funding Round | Meridiam | $25.5M |
Ilitha Telecommunications founders & team
- Vuyani JaranaFounder and CEO
- Adrian LotzChief Financial Officer
Ilitha Telecommunications competitorssame sector · similar funding
- Comsol NetworksGauteng, South Africa
- MawinguNanyuki, Kenya
More Internet Service Provider startups in Africa
- Poa Internet
Poa Internet is a Kenyan startup that provides affordable internet to individuals and small businesses. · Kenya
Frequently asked about Ilitha Telecommunications
- Where is Ilitha Telecommunications based and when was it founded?
- Ilitha Telecommunications is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa and was founded in 2019.
- Who founded Ilitha Telecommunications?
- Ilitha Telecommunications was founded by Vuyani Jarana (Founder and CEO).
- Who is the CEO of Ilitha Telecommunications?
- Vuyani Jarana is Ilitha Telecommunications' Founder and CEO.
- How much funding has Ilitha Telecommunications raised?
- Ilitha Telecommunications has raised $56M across 2 disclosed rounds. Its latest, a $30M Debt Financing, was announced on Aug 28, 2026.
- Who has invested in Ilitha Telecommunications?
- Backers include Absa CIB and Meridiam.
- What sector is Ilitha Telecommunications in?
- Ilitha Telecommunications operates in Internet Service Provider, Telecommunications and Broadband.
