Felix Tshisekedi has appointed new leadership teams to the country’s main state-owned mining firms, in a move aimed at modernizing operations and boosting public revenue, the presidency announced on Monday.
The appointments were confirmed by presidential spokesperson Tina Salama on the airwaves of the Congolese National Radio and Television (RTNC), marking a significant reshuffle in the extractive sector, which accounts for more than seventy percent of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s exports.
At Gécamines, the state’s historical copper and cobalt producer, Deogratias Ngele Masudi was named Chairman of the Board of Directors, with Baraka Kabemba appointed Chief Executive Officer. Jacques Masangu and Ludovic Monga were named Deputy Chief Executive Officers in charge of Finance and Mining Operations respectively.
In the gold sector, the Société Minière de Kilo-Moto (Sokimo) also received new leadership. François Kakese now chairs the Board of Directors, while Yannick Mulundu Nzonde takes the helm as Chief Executive Officer, supported by Deputy CEO Placide Nkala.
Meanwhile, at the Société Aurifère du Kivu et du Maniema (Sakima), Makolo Kamwema assumed leadership, backed by Guy Robert Lukama and Théodore Ngwama in senior roles.
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The government said the reshuffle aims to formalize operations, improve traceability, curb fraud, and strengthen state revenues from the extractive industry. The changes are taking place amid surging global demand for critical minerals such as copper and cobalt, which are vital for the energy transition and electric vehicle production.
“These appointments are part of our strategy to modernize and professionalize the mining sector,” an official at the Ministry of Mines said, requesting anonymity. “We want to maximize benefits for the state and local communities, while ensuring transparent and responsible exploitation.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the world’s largest producer of cobalt and a major supplier of copper, making the sector a linchpin of its economy. International investors and partners have long urged Kinshasa to strengthen governance, improve operational efficiency, and tackle illegal mining, which undermines revenue collection and fuels environmental degradation.
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The newly appointed teams are expected to focus on implementing robust management practices, ensuring compliance with international reporting standards, and enhancing corporate governance. Observers say their performance will be closely monitored both domestically and by foreign stakeholders, particularly in light of rising mineral prices and global competition.
Despite the institutional overhaul, the sector continues to face persistent security and logistical challenges, especially in eastern provinces where artisanal mining and rebel activity are prevalent. Analysts caution that while leadership changes signal intent, translating reforms into tangible results on the ground will require sustained investment, strong oversight, and coordination with local communities.
The appointments coincide with the government’s broader vision for a competitive and modern mining industry, aimed at attracting investment, fostering sustainable development, and ensuring that mineral wealth contributes to economic growth across the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The international community and domestic stakeholders will now watch closely whether the new leadership can deliver on promises to improve governance, boost production efficiency, and increase the state’s share of revenues from its mineral resources.
