Robert Workman, A Social Entrepreneur Working in Africa

There were many big social innovation news stories that came out of the 2012 International Consumer Electronic Show (CES) this January, from headlines about 3D TV to the latest tablets. There was one story that remained hidden till now...an account about social innovation and the social entrepreneur: Robert Workman shares his wisdom and thoughts.

At the CES I discovered GOAL ZERO, a business that equips the outdoor adventurer with innovative portable power products, field-proven in some of the most remote places on earth, and that works to deliver smart, power solutions that enhance the adventure. Robert Workman founded GOAL ZERO when he realised the need for renewable power and light through his work with TIFIE (Teaching Individuals and Families Independence through Enterprise) in the remote regions of the Congo. Workman, a social entrepreneur, set up TIFIE in 2007: a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to creating economic development by establishing sustainable business enterprises that produce goods, services and lasting jobs.

Workman is a true visionary and wise. When asked about solar energy and whether it is the future for the planet, Workman replies "the sun is one of the many things we can tap into abundantly. It is the easiest renewable energy and our best bet for now." He does not try to sell you 'solar.' GOAL ZERO is a business with soul, imbibed with Workman's social entrepreneur ethos of putting people and the planet at the centre of what it does. In the company's own words "it's a business created by people... with a shared vision inspired by the passion for adventure, respect for the planet and a humanitarian heart".

Robert Workman fell in love with the people and culture of the Congo, which is why he set up TIFIE to empower people there. He knows the country is riddled with corruption and knows the changes needed. He recognises change is tough without true leadership and Africa is a place where everyone is for themselves, where corruption has permeated every level of society. At the CES, international research groups called Africa an 'emerging economical power.' Workman says, don't measure this continent the same way as China, India and Vietnam. Ever the social entrepreneur, he points out that Africa became a dumping ground for cheap, unreliable and dated products by international companies. Now, in the last two years, the locals have said 'no,' they don't want cheap, throwaway products. They want value for money—as they work hard to earn the money to buy the products that don't last!

Although Workman says Africa's technology has leaped-frogged, its infrastructure of badly built roads holds it back. The Congo is the third largest country in Africa, yet only approximately 1000km is accessible by road. This social entrepreneur knows the country's next challenge is building transportation. Being connected via roads and railways is critical and guarantees being able to transport goods from one point to another. Once this is turned round, then Africa says Workman "will explode into an economic power".

Photo Credit: TIFIE Website