About Us
About Innovation for Rehabilitation and Development (IRD)
Our Story
Born from hope, built with communities
IRD was founded in 2018 in Mekelle, Tigray, by a group of professionals, health workers and community organizers who shared one conviction: lasting recovery must come from within communities themselves.
Since then, we have grown from providing relief to driving innovation, rehabilitation and sustainable development. Today we serve more than 48,000 people in partnership with 32+ organizations.
Our experience across Tigray taught us a profound lesson: we are not here to build things that communities depend on us to maintain — we are here to build things communities can own, operate and grow themselves.
2018
Year established
Our Mission
At IRD, we harness innovation's power humanely to rehabilitate lives and homes, tackle poverty, secure clean energy, promote responsible industry, and grow thriving communities with lasting hope.
Our Vision
A world where every person and community rises stronger, with innovation gently guiding rehabilitation into vibrant, self-reliant lives full of dignity, potential, and inclusive affluence.
Core Values
The values that guide everything we do
Human Dignity
Every person is treated with respect, compassion and care.
Innovation
We seek creative, practical solutions to stubborn problems.
Sustainability
We build lasting systems — not temporary fixes.
Accountability
We answer to communities and partners with transparency.
Community Ownership
Communities lead; we walk beside them.
Peace & Inclusion
We build inclusive spaces where every voice is heard.
Integrity
We do what is right, openly and honestly.
Excellence
We pursue measurable, high-quality outcomes.
Strategic Objectives
What we aim to achieve
Rehabilitate affected families, homes and community infrastructure.
Expand access to clean energy and responsible, green industry.
Reduce poverty through livelihoods, education and youth opportunity.
Strengthen community resilience and emergency preparedness.
Advance gender equality and meaningful participation of women and youth.
Institutionalize innovation, research and evidence-based practice.
Our Approach
How we work
Community First
Programs are designed, led and monitored with communities — not for them.
Evidence Based
Data, research and learning guide every decision we make.
Partnership Driven
We multiply impact by working with government, academia, the private sector and fellow CSOs.
Do No Harm
We operate with sensitivity, impartiality and the protection of communities at heart.
Geographic Focus
Headquartered in Mekelle, we operate across the Tigray region with active field offices in:
- Mekelle
- Shire
- Axum
- Adigrat
- Humera
- Southern & Eastern Zones
Legal Status
- Registered civil society organization (CSO) under the laws of Ethiopia.
- Licensed by the Civil Society Organizations Agency (CSA).
- Audited annually by independent auditors.
- Memoranda of understanding with regional government bureaus.
Organizational Structure
- General Assembly
- Board of Directors
- Executive Director
- Programs & Operations
- Finance & Administration
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
- Community Mobilization
Strategic Priorities 2026–2030
Our roadmap for the years ahead
Rehabilitation & Reconstruction
Rebuild homes and institutions with, and for, communities.
Clean Energy & Green Industry
Scale solar access and responsible enterprise.
Poverty Reduction
Livelihoods and education that break cycles of poverty.
Innovation & Research
Pilot and scale new solutions with real-world evidence.