We discover and advance what works to improve the lives of people across Africa

We learn from communities, apply scientific rigor to innovative ideas, and collaborate widely to deliver impactful and sustainable solutions

2012

The Foundation is Laid

  • Construction commences on the RAN offices.

2013

Official Launch

  • Nov 8ResilientAfrica Network (RAN) established at Makerere University, part of USAID’s Higher Education Solutions Network (HESN).

2014

Innovation Takes Center Stage

  • Released the inaugural “RAN State of Resilience Report for Sub-Saharan Africa.”
  • Mar 14Hosted the first crowdsourcing exhibition for innovation via the RAN Innovation Acceleration Program (RIAP).
  • Launched first Design Thinking-based ideation (RICs) and Call for Proposals for Eastern Africa Resilience Innovation Lab.
  • Introduced the Modular Knowledge Information and Teaching Systems (MKITs) Strategy for capacity building.
  • Successfully conducted the first Deliberative Poll (DP) in Sub-Saharan Africa, translating findings into policy.
  • Sep 19Launched the first Innovation grant call RIC4ACE, officially opening RAN Innovation Labs.

2015

Expanding Reach and Sharing Knowledge

  • Conducted the first Collaborative Resilience Innovation Design (CRID) workshop in Ethiopia.
  • Mar 11Launched the groundbreaking first “State of African Resilience” Report.
  • Jun 26Fostered collaboration with the first Innovation Garage in Kampala.
  • Nov 17Launched the Youth Spark Innovation Grant (YSiG) to harness student and youth innovation.

2016

National Challenges & Climate Action

  • Hosted a Resilience Community of Practice (CoP) convening on ‘Deepening our Collective Knowledge of Resilience Measurement’.
  • Feb 9Launched the 2016 National Technovation Challenge for young women.
  • Mar 5Horn of Africa RI Lab convened its first Innovation Advisory Board Engagement Workshop.
  • Mar 31Initiated a Deliberative Poll in Senegal.
  • Sep 19Eastern Africa RILab launched RIC4CONF (Chronic Conflict) in Uganda and Tanzania.
  • Oct 31Eastern Africa RILab launched the second phase of RIAP & RIC4ACE, focusing on high-impact agricultural innovations.
  • Nov 28Actively participated in the first-ever Climate Challenge Hackathon in Nairobi.
  • Implemented Off-Grid Electric Refrigeration User Centered Research.

2017

Global Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

  • Mar 14Joined the first Global Social Innovation Summit in Colombia.
  • Apr 19West Africa RILab launched RIAP Innovation grants.
  • Apr 20Southern Africa RILab launched the second round of RIC4FIG (Food Security and Improved Income Generation).
  • Jun 20RAN Eastern Africa RILab rolled out RIAP-2 grant calls.
  • Aug 1RAN Southern Africa RILab launched YSIG-S (Youth Spark Innovation – Social innovation chapter) grant calls.
  • Aug 14RAN Eastern Africa RILab launched YSIG-S grant calls.
  • Aug 31Launched CRID4RED (Recurrent Effects of Drought) in Southern Ethiopia.
  • Nov 28Aligned with regional efforts by joining the first COMESA Resilience Academy in Zambia.
  • Dec 12Partnered with Uganda Development Bank Limited (UDBL) to launch the UDB i-Growth Accelerator 2017.
  • DecDisseminated a report on Micro-Analysis of Underlying Drivers of Livelihoods Resilience in Uganda.

2018

Global Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

  • Mar 22Launched its second State of African Resilience report in Kampala.
  • Launched Applied Innovation HESN project activities, supporting innovators like Akorion and M-omulimisa.

2019

Expanding Innovation Ecosystems

  • Jun 20Launched a scaling support program for ICT-focused start-up innovations in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT.
  • NovLaunched the “Strengthening scaling ecosystems for transformative development solutions” project.
  • Dec 20Launched the Innovation Scaling Program (RISP) for proven, scalable innovations.
  • Disseminated results of the Digital Identity Double-bottomline Impact Study.
  • Disseminated Market scoping report on solar e-waste and battery waste management in Africa.
  • Launched two innovation projects focused on strengthening household solar workforce capacity.

2020

Digital Resilience

  • Apr 20Demonstrated resilience by launching the Innovation Fireplace Digital Series in response to the COVID-19 lockdown.

2021

Nurturing Tech Talent

  • MayOpened applications for a cutting-edge student training program, fostering skills in identity management, database administration, and LoRaWAN sensor networks in partnership with RENU and Marconi Society.

2022

Continued Impact

  • Continued ongoing projects and partnerships, building on previous years’ initiatives in innovation and community resilience.

2023

Highlighting Progress

  • DecRAN Bulletin highlighted key activities including leveraging indigenous peoples’ voices, documenting sustainable pathways, and scaling the Safe Bangle Technology.

2024

Knowledge Dissemination

  • JulParticipated in the HEIGHTS Study Dissemination alongside the University of Nairobi.

2025

Shaping Education Resilience

  • Feb 25Launched the Africa Regional Education System Resilience Observatory (ARESRO) Project, a groundbreaking initiative to strengthen education systems across sub-Saharan Africa.