Yannick Makola Becomes the First Congolese to Lead KCC
The appointment of Yannick Makola as Chief Executive Officer of Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), announced on July 21, 2026, and subject to approval by the Board of Directors, marks a historic milestone for the Congolese mining industry. For the first time since the creation of KCC, one of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s largest copper and cobalt producers, a Congolese national has been selected to lead the company’s operations.
More than a promotion, this decision reflects an evolution in the governance of the mining sector toward greater recognition and promotion of national expertise.
A Career Built on Performance
Yannick Makola’s journey within KCC is a testament to consistent performance and professional excellence.
He joined the company in 2020 as General Manager of Processing, where he quickly distinguished himself through his mastery of industrial operations and strong leadership skills.
His outstanding performance led to increasing responsibilities, culminating in his recent appointment as Chief Operating Officer (COO), where he oversaw the company’s production activities.
His promotion to Chief Executive Officer is therefore the logical outcome of a career defined by discipline, operational excellence, and a continuous pursuit of performance.
Internationally Acquired Expertise
Before joining KCC, Yannick Makola built an impressive international career with several globally recognized mining and industrial companies, including Sasol, BHP, South32, and MMG.
These experiences enabled him to develop extensive expertise in managing complex industrial operations, organizational transformation, industrial safety, and sustainable performance improvement.
Academically, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, a Master’s Degree in Technology Management from the University of Pretoria, and has completed the prestigious Chief Operating Officer Programme at INSEAD, one of the world’s leading business schools.
A Symbol of a New Generation of Congolese Leaders
Beyond his individual achievements, Yannick Makola represents the emergence of a new generation of Congolese executives capable of leading some of the largest mining companies operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
His appointment comes at a time when the Congolese government is encouraging greater participation of nationals in senior leadership positions within the extractive industry.
For KCC, this decision also sends a strong message in support of local talent development and the promotion of Congolese leadership within the company.
Challenges Matching the Ambition
The new Chief Executive Officer assumes leadership of KCC in a demanding environment.
As one of the world’s leading copper and cobalt producers, the company operates within a context shaped by the global energy transition, increasing expectations regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, and ongoing discussions with the Congolese government on fiscal and regulatory matters.
Yannick Makola will be expected to balance industrial performance, constructive engagement with public authorities, operational safety, and sustainable value creation while maintaining KCC’s competitiveness in an evolving global market.
A Strategically Significant Appointment
Yannick Makola’s appointment extends far beyond KCC itself.
It reflects the growing strength of Congolese expertise within a sector that remains the backbone of the national economy.
For many observers, his nomination could pave the way for even greater representation of Congolese professionals in the highest leadership positions of major mining companies operating across the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Héritier Maila / KCC
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