HOW WE WORK

Digital Protection for the Organizations That Bring Communities Together

Critical Community Institutions (CCIs) across Africa are experiencing a sharp rise in cyberattacks, yet many lack the resources to defend themselves. These organizations often operate with outdated systems, limited cybersecurity budgets, low awareness of digital risks, and no dedicated security personnel.

Cyber threats are becoming more frequent and more damaging. Africa recorded a 23 percent rise in ransomware attacks in 2023, with public and nonprofit institutions among the most affected. Across the region, low cybersecurity readiness leaves CCIs vulnerable to phishing, data breaches, system outages, and service disruptions.

Because CCIs store sensitive information and deliver essential services, a single cyber incident can cause widespread harm, compromise critical operations, and erode public trust.

Resilio Africa was created to close this gap by giving CCIs the tools, skills, and support they need to stay secure and resilient.

WHY THIS MATTERS

  • Kenya recorded more than 100 CCI-targeted cyberattacks in the first eight months of 2024, followed by a 201 percent spike in early 2025.
  • In Nigeria, critical government and healthcare systems still rely on unencrypted communication protocols.
  • Ghana and South Africa continue to face rising attacks on public service infrastructures.

These threats disrupt essential services, expose sensitive data, and weaken the institutions that communities rely on most.

OUR MISSION

To strengthen the cybersecurity readiness of community-serving institutions in Africa and ensure that essential public services remain safe, reliable, and resilient.

WHO WE SERVE

Resilio Africa supports Critical Community Institutions, which are organizations that improve community well-being and deliver essential services. These institutions may be nonprofit, public, cooperative, or private, but they share a mission of strengthening communities at local or regional levels.

Educational, Environmental, and Local Services

Schools, community colleges, special education needs provision, libraries, ICT Hubs, parks and recreation, municipal or cooperative housing, residents’ associations, town planning, traffic management, employment or job centres, etc.

Health, Sport, and Care

Hospitals, clinics, sports clubs, gyms, swimming pools, refuges, care homes, water and sanitation boards, crisis helplines, therapy and listening services, adoption services, early years childcare, etc.

Public Administration System

Municipal offices and select government ministries

Cultural and Creative Organizations

Theatres, museums, dance studios, music groups, youth clubs, allotments, local newspapers and radio stations, arts centres, faith-based community projects, etc.

OUR APPROACH

We provide a streamlined suite of free cybersecurity services to help public-serving institutions strengthen their defenses.

Thanks to support from Google.org, eligible organizations receive all services for free.

OUR IMPACT

Resilio Africa supports Critical Community Institutions, which are organizations that improve community well-being and deliver essential services. These institutions may be nonprofit, public, cooperative, or private, but they share a mission of strengthening communities at local or regional levels. The project is set to deliver these outcomes.

200

Critical Community Institutions supported

2m+

People benefit from safer and more reliable public services

15m+

Records are better protected

10k+

Critical Community Institutions supported

These outcomes strengthen entire community-service ecosystems and contribute to long-term digital resilience.

ELIGIBILITY

To qualify, institutions must:

  • Be registered in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, or South Africa
  • Fall within one of the approved CCI categories
  • Have at least 10 staff members
  • Serve at least 5000 community members
  • Hold at least 75,000 public records

Applications are assessed based on eligibility, vulnerability level, community impact potential, and overall sector distribution

APPLICATION PROCESS

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official online form. Email submissions are not accepted.

Review Timeline

  • Applications open on December 12, 2025
  • Reviews occur on a rolling basis
  • Decisions shared within four weeks of completing the form

Selected CCIs receive onboarding instructions, agreements, and a detailed implementation plan.

Eligible applicants who cannot be admitted immediately may be placed on a reserve list.

How to Join the Program

  • Apply online
  • Application review and due diligence
  • Intake consultation
  • Contract signing
  • Select your preferred services
  • All services are delivered at no cost