Nigeria is first port of call for technology-focused humanitarian impact investing fund

Details: Vaughan O'Grady; Category: Humanitarian Comms; 22 January 2026; 9979 views

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has announced the launch of Airbel Ventures, a new humanitarian impact investing fund designed to accelerate the entry and scale of breakthrough technologies in crisis-affected communities.

The IRC, an organisation that helps people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives, says the fund will invest in companies whose innovations have the potential to transform humanitarian response – from digital infrastructure for frontline health systems to climate-resilient agriculture.

The IRC explains that many high-potential startups face steep barriers to entering humanitarian systems, including complex procurement and limited opportunities to test products in crisis settings. Airbel Ventures bridges that gap by providing financing, humanitarian expertise and real-world pilots through IRC programmes across more than 40 countries.

Airbel Ventures aims to mobilise an initial US$6 million on the road to US$55 million in catalytic capital to bring high-impact products and services into one of the world’s most complex operating environments.

Airbel Ventures’ first impact investment is in Signalytic, a company delivering solar-powered computing devices that ensure reliable electricity and connectivity for remote health facilities.

Today, 60–90% of rural health clinics in Africa lack stable power or internet access, cutting them off from digital tools that can improve patient care, streamline inventory management, and strengthen coordination across health systems. Signalytic’s low-cost devices provide continuous digital uptime, allowing clinics to run electronic medical records, manage supply chains to prevent stock-outs, and support frontline workers with modern digital services.

Following the investment, the IRC will pilot Signalytic’s technology with its Nigeria Health team, demonstrating the viability of next-generation digital infrastructure in humanitarian settings.

The launch of Airbel Ventures builds on a period of rapid innovation across the IRC. In 2026, the IRC says it will continue to grow its innovation and AI portfolio.