In August of 2010 TIFIE created Jamaa Energy the sole distributor of Goal Zero solar products in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As with most developing countries the energy needs of DR Congo are large and mostly unmet by the current electrical infrastructure.


The Democratic Republic of Congo has electricity in the capital city as well as some of the other major cities of the country. However, the energy supply is poor and inadequate, resulting in daily power outages. For the millions that live in the rural countryside, , electrical power is non-existent. When Robert Workman, TIFIE's Founder, realized this huge need, he began inventing a portable and solar power solution, something that could meet the power needs of rural villagers as well as city dwellers. Research led to invention, invention led to products and GOAL ZERO was born. GOAL ZERO is now a producer and seller of the best selling solar power products IN THE WORLD, ranging from fixed installation solutions to extremely portable power solutions. TIFIE created JAMAA Energy, a GOAL ZERO distributor that can provide clean, reliable, and consistent power to the people of DR Congo. Since its inception, Jamaa Energy has sold tens of thousands of dollars of portable, plug-and-play solar products to consumers throughout Congo as well as numerous fixed installations on homes and schools.

Wait. Did you see what just happened? TIFIE wants to create jobs. Robert wants to create power solutions. GOAL ZERO is born in the US, which now employs 50+ in the US. TIFIE creates JAMAA Energy to sell GOAL ZERO which now provides jobs in Kinshasa. (Not to mention life-changing power and lights!)

Following the TIFIE model, Jamaa Energy supports local humanitarian efforts by donating its time and money to the TIFIE Orphanage in Kinshasa, Congo and the TIFIE farm in Dumi, Congo. In the near future, they hope to begin work on solar solutions that will bring power to entire villages throughout DR Congo.