At the 20th edition of the DRC Mining Week held in Lubumbashi, one voice stood out for its clarity, authenticity, and transformative vision. That voice belonged to Annebel Oosthuizen, CEO of Kamoa Copper SA – the first woman to hold this pivotal role within one of Africa’s most ambitious mining ventures.
Speaking at the “Women, Mining and Leadership” forum, Oosthuizen captivated the audience with her reflections on a theme as bold as it is timely: “The potential of female leadership as a driver of local economic development in the DRC and the region.”
A Human Voice in a Technical World
In an industry long dominated by men, Annebel Oosthuizen offered a rare and deeply personal perspective. She championed a leadership style rooted in empathy, humility, passion, and the ability to bring people together.
“Love matters,” she said. “I love what I do. I love the people I do it for. And I love the future generations we’re doing it for.”
A Rise Built on Consistency and Competence
Having joined Kamoa a decade ago, Oosthuizen has steadily climbed the ranks—earning six promotions in ten years. But for her, success is not just about outcomes; it’s about how those outcomes are achieved.
“True leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about recognising your limits and building a team that complements you.”
Inclusion as a Strategic Lever
Under her leadership, Kamoa Copper has undergone a structural shift: the number of women in managerial roles has increased by 60% in just one year. These women now hold key positions in human resources, community development, and supply chain management.
“When the right person—often a woman—is in the right role, change becomes organic. It’s no longer about policy; it becomes part of the culture.”
Breaking Down Barriers to Equal Opportunity
Fully aware of the systemic barrier’s women face, Annebel has helped implement tangible initiatives: early childhood development centres, national and international scholarships for young female graduates, and training programmes through Kamoa’s Centre of Excellence.
These efforts aim to create an environment where women can not only access opportunities—but thrive within them.
A Call for Boldness and Joy
True to her candid and uplifting style, Annebel delivered a powerful message to women in the sector:
“The time for women is now. This isn’t a fight. We just need to move forward, believe in ourselves, and never forget to enjoy the journey. In ten years, we’ll say: ‘That was fun. And we changed things.”
A Vision for a Fairer, More Sustainable Industry
For Annebel Oosthuizen, some of the mining industry’s greatest challenges—governance, inclusion, sustainability—require qualities that women often bring naturally: listening, innovation, compassion, negotiation.
“The mining sector doesn’t lack hands to extract rocks. What it needs are minds and hearts capable of building sustainable solutions.”
A Continental Ambition
Her vision is bold: to position the DRC as a global leader in the energy transition.
“We have the resources, the expertise, and the determination. Let’s keep working together to pave the way for a better future.”
Annebel Oosthuizen isn’t just breaking the glass ceiling—she’s redefining the very foundations of leadership in a sector undergoing profound change. A leader who inspires not only through what she achieves, but through how she achieves it: with intelligence, humanity, and courage.