Trafigura Appoints Hervé Otschudi to Lead DRC Operations
Trafigura Appoints Hervé Otschudi to Lead DRC Operations and Strengthen Critical Minerals Strategy
Global commodities trader Trafigura has appointed Hervé Otschudi as Executive Director for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), strengthening its senior leadership and strategic engagement in one of Africa’s most important mining markets.
Otschudi, a Congolese national, brings more than 20 years of experience across commodities, mining and financial services in the DRC.
He has held several senior positions in the country, including serving as Business Development Advisor to the board of Gécamines, the DRC’s state-owned mining company.
In his new role, Otschudi will oversee Trafigura’s business activities in the DRC, with responsibility for strategic business development, government and institutional relations, and commercial partnerships.
His responsibilities will cover Trafigura’s activities across energy, metals and minerals, as well as the logistics infrastructure supporting its trading operations.
Trafigura has maintained a presence in the DRC for more than 25 years and currently employs more than 80 people in the country.
The company also operates logistics infrastructure supporting the storage and movement of refined metals, concentrates and chemicals used in the mining industry.
Trafigura is also a shareholder in the Lobito Atlantic Railway, which connects the DRC’s Copperbelt to Angola’s Atlantic coast and provides an alternative route for the export and import of minerals and other goods.
The appointment comes as the DRC seeks to strengthen its position in global copper and cobalt supply chains while attracting greater investment in mineral processing, logistics and infrastructure.
Otschudi’s extensive local experience is expected to support Trafigura’s engagement with government institutions, mining companies and other commercial partners as the company expands its activities in the country.
Trafigura’s leadership change underscores the strategic importance of the DRC to global critical-mineral supply chains and the company’s long-term commitment to the country.
