Akobo's strategy is designed to deliver long-term value and as it moves closer to its vision of becoming a leading, diversified miner in Ethiopia.

Can you give us a brief overview of your company and what makes Akobo compelling?

Akobo Minerals is a Scandinavian-based gold producer and exploration company operating in Ethiopia’s Gambela region, one of the country’s most gold-rich areas. Our flagship project, the Segele mine, is among the highest-grade gold deposits globally, and the first new international mine to open in Ethiopia since 1993. What sets us apart is our proven ability to transition from exploration to production. We are well-positioned to scale operations and pursue our vision of becoming a leading gold producer in Ethiopia.

What recent discovery or result has you most excited?

We are particularly excited about the commencement of gold production at our Segele mine. The high-grade nature of the deposit has been confirmed, and our operations are now generating sufficient cash flow to cover our operating expenses. Additionally, the strategic investment from Ethiopian Investment Holdings enhances our financial stability and supports our growth initiatives.

What is your strategy, what work have you completed so far, and what are the key programs planned for the next 12–18 months?

Our strategy is to leverage our expertise and the high-grade nature of our existing project to expand into other minerals and metals. So far, we’ve completed exploration, resource definition, and development at our core project. The most important program over the next 12–18 months is the development of our new vertical shaft, which we expect to be operational around year-end. This will significantly increase tonnage and revenues, taking production from 6–8 kilograms per month to around 50 kilograms per month.

In parallel, we will continue advancing new exploration targets and evaluating opportunities to diversify our resource base, while maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and sustainability.

Looking ahead, what’s the single most important milestone investors should watch for, and how does achieving it move you closer to your strategic endgame?

The key milestone to watch is the completion of our new shaft at the Segele mine. This development will unlock deeper ore zones, increase production capacity, and enable further exploration. Achieving this milestone will significantly advance our goal of scaling operations and establishing Akobo as a leading, diversified miner in Ethiopia.

What can investors expect going forward?

Investors can expect steady progress in both exploration and development, with a focus on sustainable growth and operational excellence. We are looking to build a portfolio of assets ranging from cash-producing mines to semi-developed projects and greenfield opportunities. Beyond gold, we will also explore other minerals and metals to diversify our business.

Additionally, we are starting to develop an aggregator model aimed at supporting the regional and local artisanal mining sector. This will help improve working conditions, ensure fair payments, increase recovery, and create stronger, more sustainable local operations. All of this is designed to deliver long-term value and move us closer to our vision of becoming a leading, diversified miner in Ethiopia.

THIS ARTICLE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN
THE DIGITAL MINING PULSE ISSUE 3 I DECEMBER 2025