Mfikeyi Makayi

Mfikeyi Makayi is the CEO of KoBold Metals Africa, the African arm of KoBold Metals – a California-based company that applies cutting-edge AI technology to discover and develop critical minerals such as copper, lithium, cobalt, and nickel – essential for the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. Makayi leads the company’s strategic expansion across the continent, including the development of a landmark $2 billion underground copper mine in Zambia’s Chililabombwe district, targeted for production by the early 2030s.

Leveraging KoBold’s advanced artificial intelligence tools, her team analyses decades of geological data to pinpoint optimal drilling locations, accelerating exploration and improving accuracy. In addition to her leadership in Zambia, Makayi oversees KoBold’s exploration initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, and Botswana.

Makayi began her mining career with First Quantum Minerals (FQM) at Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi, Zambia, where she rose from a supervisory position to mining engineer before transitioning into internal audit. After seven years with FQM, she joined Barloworld Equipment Zambia in Kitwe – the official dealer for Caterpillar machinery as Assistant Operations Manager, later advancing to Operations Manager. Though some viewed her move from mining production to mining services as unconventional, Makayi recognised it as a strategic opportunity to broaden her leadership experience. Amidst intense market competition and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully steered the company through a critical turnaround, earning promotion to Country Manager. In this role, she led difficult restructuring efforts, including a 30% workforce reduction in response to a 50% business decline, while maintaining operational stability and positioning the company for recovery.

Makayi holds four degrees, a BSc in Civil Engineering and an MEng in Environmental Engineering from Old Dominion University (United States); an MSc in Mining Engineering from the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter (United Kingdom); and an Executive MBA from Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University (Nigeria).