African Initiatives for Relief and Development (AIRD) is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to providing lifesaving responses for African refugees and displaced populations. Since its founding, AIRD has played a unique and critical role in delivering humanitarian assistance that saves lives and fosters resilience and recovery for both refugees and host communities.
Operating in some of the continent’s most complex and challenging contexts, AIRD implements solutions that are locally responsive and globally aligned. The organization currently supports humanitarian efforts in Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Niger, Liberia, Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Our Vision
Empowered and resilient communities thriving beyond crisis
Our Mission
To deliver life-saving support in times of crisis and invest in inclusive, sustainable solutions that restore dignity, rebuild lives, and strengthen communities across Africa and beyond
Our Objective
To enhance the dignity, safety, and self-reliance of displaced and host populations by delivering timely emergency response and implementing integrated, community-driven development programs across Africa and beyond
Our Moto
From response to resilience, transforming humanitarian action into lasting impact.
Our Work
Six areas of work, one goal: resilient communities.
According to UNHCR, there have never been more refugees or displaced people in the world as there are today. Tens of millions of people have been forced from their homes and require substantial support as they struggle to make sense of the dismal situations they find themselves in. Many of these individuals are forced to seek safety and refuge in new areas or countries. UNHCR reports that as at the end of 2019 there were an estimated 79.5 million forcibly displaced people globally due to conflicts, persecution and human rights violations. This number includes 26 million refugees who must be supported to reach safety, and to rebuild their lives. It is a monumental task that requires the partnership, cooperation and coordination of many bodies acting together to provide for the many needs of those displaced.
AIRD develops and rehabilitates infrastructure that contributes to safety, dignity, service access and the long-term resilience of displaced and host communities.
Our work goes beyond constructing physical structures. We seek to create infrastructure that responds to community needs, supports essential services and remains useful and sustainable over time.
What AIRD does
01
Shelter construction and rehabilitation
Construction and improvement of shelters and accommodation facilities for displaced and vulnerable populations, including durable and context-appropriate solutions.
02
Schools and learning facilities
Construction, rehabilitation and improvement of education infrastructure to create safer and more accessible learning environments.
03
Health infrastructure
Development and rehabilitation of health centres, health posts and related facilities that improve access to essential healthcare.
04
Roads and access infrastructure
Construction and rehabilitation of roads and access routes that connect communities to markets, services, schools, health facilities and humanitarian assistance.
05
Bridges and crossings
Development and rehabilitation of bridges and crossings that improve safe movement and connectivity, particularly in hard-to-reach locations.
06
Airfields and operational infrastructure
Development and rehabilitation of infrastructure that supports humanitarian access, logistics operations and emergency response.
07
Community infrastructure
Construction of facilities that support water, sanitation, livelihoods, energy, markets, community services and other essential needs.
08
Infrastructure rehabilitation
AIRD repairs, upgrades and maintains existing infrastructure to restore functionality and extend its useful life.
09
Project implementation
From site assessment and planning through construction, supervision, quality control and handover, AIRD supports the delivery of infrastructure projects in coordination with partners and communities.
AIRD supports refugees, displaced people and host communities to develop practical skills, access economic opportunities and strengthen their ability to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
We focus on the transition from short-term assistance towards skills, employability, entrepreneurship, income generation and economic participation.
What AIRD does
01
Vocational training
We provide practical, market-oriented training in trades and technical skills that respond to local economic opportunities. Areas can include mechanics, auto-electrical work, welding, motorcycle and small-engine repair and other relevant trades.
02
Skills development
AIRD equips young people and adults with practical competencies that improve their employability and ability to generate income.
03
Entrepreneurship development
We support aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with business skills, enterprise development and practical tools for establishing or strengthening businesses.
04
Income-generating activities
AIRD supports vulnerable households and individuals to develop sustainable income sources suited to their local context.
05
Job readiness and employability
Training can include workplace skills, practical experience, mentorship and other support that helps participants transition into employment or self-employment.
06
Apprenticeships and mentorship
AIRD links skills development with practical exposure, mentorship and opportunities to apply newly acquired skills.
07
Market linkages
We help connect trained individuals and small businesses to markets, employers, customers and relevant economic networks.
08
Private-sector partnerships
AIRD works with private-sector actors to strengthen pathways from training to employment, enterprise development and economic participation.
09
Youth economic empowerment
Particular attention is given to young people who face barriers to education, employment and sustainable income opportunities.
10
Refugee-host community integration
Livelihood interventions are designed to create opportunities for both displaced and host populations, strengthening economic relationships and reducing dependency.
AIRD works to ensure that displaced and host communities have access to safe water, adequate sanitation and practical hygiene services that protect health, dignity and wellbeing.
Our WASH programming combines infrastructure, service delivery, community engagement and systems that encourage local ownership.
What AIRD does
01
Water supply systems
Development, rehabilitation and maintenance of water infrastructure, including systems designed to improve reliable access to safe water.
02
Water points and distribution
Installation, rehabilitation and management of water access points and distribution systems where communities require improved access.
03
Sanitation facilities
Construction and rehabilitation of appropriate sanitation facilities for households, institutions and community spaces.
04
Hygiene promotion
Community-based hygiene education and awareness on safe water handling, sanitation, handwashing and disease prevention.
05
WASH in institutions
Support to schools, health facilities and other public or community institutions to improve water and sanitation services.
06
Emergency WASH response
Rapid support to communities affected by displacement, emergencies or disruptions to essential water and sanitation services.
07
Operation and maintenance
Strengthening systems for the maintenance and continued functionality of WASH infrastructure.
08
Community participation
Engaging communities in planning, management and monitoring of WASH services to strengthen ownership.
09
WASH governance and accountability
Supporting mechanisms that enable communities and relevant stakeholders to participate in decisions concerning WASH services.
10
Hygiene and public health
Linking WASH interventions to broader public-health objectives, particularly disease prevention and improved community wellbeing.
AIRD promotes access to reliable, clean and sustainable energy solutions that improve living conditions, strengthen essential services and support economic activity.
Energy access is considered not only in terms of providing power, but also in terms of how energy can enable safety, productivity, education, livelihoods and local economic development.
What AIRD does
01
Solar energy solutions
Deployment of solar-powered systems for communities, institutions and humanitarian operations where appropriate.
02
Energy for essential services
Supporting reliable energy access for facilities such as health centres, schools, community facilities and operational sites.
03
Solar lighting
Installation of sustainable lighting solutions that improve safety and usability of community spaces.
04
Energy for water systems
Integrating renewable energy into water supply and pumping systems to improve reliability and reduce operating costs.
05
Energy for livelihoods
Supporting energy solutions that enable small businesses, workshops, enterprises, and other income-generating activities to operate more effectively.
06
Clean energy transition
Promoting alternatives to more harmful or unsustainable energy sources where feasible.
07
Energy efficiency
Supporting systems and practices that reduce unnecessary energy consumption and operational costs.
08
Maintenance and sustainability
Building systems for appropriate operation, maintenance, and local ownership of energy infrastructure.
09
Energy and resilience
Using renewable energy to reduce vulnerability to disruptions in conventional energy supply and strengthen continuity of essential services.
From delivery and access to economic participation
AIRD provides end-to-end logistics and operational support that enables humanitarian and development programmes to reach people, places and communities, particularly in challenging, remote and resource-constrained environments.
Our logistics capabilities support humanitarian agencies, governments and development partners to maintain continuity of operations, move essential supplies, manage assets efficiently and deliver services safely and on time.
What AIRD does
01
Fuel Management
AIRD manages fuel supply, storage, distribution and consumption monitoring for humanitarian fleets and operations. This includes fuel planning, stock monitoring, reconciliation, consumption tracking and systems that promote accountability and reduce operational losses.
02
Fleet Management
We manage humanitarian and development fleets, including vehicle deployment, scheduling, preventive maintenance, fuel monitoring, driver management, journey planning and fleet performance tracking. Our systems help partners maintain reliable mobility in both routine and emergency operations.
03
Warehouse Management
AIRD supports the receipt, storage, inventory management, handling and dispatch of humanitarian and programme supplies. We establish systems for stock control, documentation, storage optimization and timely distribution.
04
Workshop & Asset Maintenance
AIRD operates workshops that keep vehicles, generators and other programme assets in working order, through preventive maintenance, repairs, spare-parts control and clear asset records.
05
Humanitarian Transport & Logistics
We provide transportation and logistics solutions for humanitarian supplies, equipment, personnel and other essential materials, including in difficult-to-access locations and during emergency responses.
06
Operational support
AIRD provides the systems, personnel and technical capacity needed to keep field operations functioning efficiently, allowing humanitarian and development partners to focus on programme delivery.
AIRD provides independent monitoring and verification services that help donors, governments, UN agencies and implementing partners understand whether humanitarian and development programmes are being implemented as planned and achieving intended results. Our Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) work provides independent evidence that can strengthen accountability, programme quality, transparency and informed decision-making.
What AIRD does
01
Independent field monitoring
Conducting structured field visits to independently assess programme implementation and progress.
02
Output verification
Verifying whether planned activities, services, infrastructure and other deliverables have been implemented as reported.
03
Beneficiary verification
Engaging programme participants and communities to verify whether services and assistance reached the intended populations.
04
Post-distribution monitoring
Assessing how assistance was received, used and experienced by beneficiaries following programme delivery.
05
Infrastructure verification
Physically verifying the existence, condition, quality and use of infrastructure and programme assets.
06
Data collection
Gathering quantitative and qualitative information through interviews, observations, surveys, focus groups and other appropriate methods.
07
Community feedback
Capturing beneficiary perspectives, concerns and feedback to provide partners with a clearer understanding of programme performance.
08
Accountability monitoring
Assessing whether programmes are being implemented in accordance with agreed standards, procedures and commitments.
09
Risk identification
Identifying implementation gaps, operational risks and issues that may affect programme effectiveness.
10
Evidence and reporting
Producing objective monitoring reports, findings and recommendations that enable partners and donors to make evidence-informed decisions.
11
Remote and field monitoring
Where access is constrained, AIRD can use appropriate remote monitoring and verification approaches alongside field-based methodologies.
12
Learning and improvement
Turning monitoring findings into actionable insights that can inform programme adaptation, accountability and future programming.
