• New executives appointed at Sakima, Sokimo, Gécamines

• Changes align with restructuring, US-DRC minerals partnership

Three state-owned mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have undergone leadership changes following presidential decrees read on state television on Feb. 23, 2026. The appointments concern Société aurifère du Kivu et du Maniema (Sakima), Société de Kilo-Moto (Sokimo) and Générale des carrières et des mines (Gécamines).

Sakima

Guy Robert Lukama was appointed director general, replacing Fidèle Babala Wandu. A former banker who worked in the DRC and Belgium, Lukama has spent several years in the mining sector. Since February 2023, he has served as chairman of the board of Gécamines. He will be supported by deputy director general Théodore Ngwama. Mokolo Kamuena Kanana was appointed chairman of Sakima’s board.

The appointments come as the company continues a technical, social and financial restructuring under a recovery plan launched in 2024. Sakima holds 47 operating permits in Maniema, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, as well as five hydroelectric power plants.

Sokimo

Yannick Nzonde Mulundu was appointed director general of Sokimo, replacing Pistis Bonongo. An entrepreneur, he founded Mulundu Investment Holdings and Chi Groupe, and was listed by Forbes Africa in 2018 among high-potential young entrepreneurs. Placide Nkala was named deputy director general, while François Kakese was appointed chairman of the board.

In 2024, Sokimo resumed mining operations after several years of inactivity. The new management team faces major challenges, including strengthening resource governance and modernising production infrastructure.

Gécamines

Baraka Kabemba was appointed director general of Gécamines. A consultant by training, he was a partner at Ernst & Young (EY), where he led advisory operations in Central Africa, covering CEMAC countries and the DRC. He also oversaw the energy sector, including mining.

He will be supported by Jacques Masangu, deputy director general in charge of financial operations, and Ludovic Monga, deputy director general in charge of mining operations and development, both of whom remain in their positions. Deogratias Ngele Masudi, former secretary general of the company until 2021 and a former justice minister, was appointed chairman of the board.

The appointments come as state mining companies reposition strategically. Gécamines in particular is expected to play a key role in implementing the DRC-United States strategic partnership signed on Dec. 4, 2025, which focuses on critical minerals. In May 2025, Deogratias Ngele Masudi and Baraka Kabemba were appointed to the strategic coordination unit tasked with overseeing the partnership.

Ronsard Luabeya, with Bankable