Who We Are

CMAG is the trusted platform bridging African governments, private sector players, investors, and global stakeholders in the critical minerals space. Our work accelerates the development, investment-readiness, and visibility of African critical minerals projects.

Team Discussion

Our Vision

Critical minerals drive development, support education, and fuel the growth of African economies.

We envision:

  • African nations shaping international discussions
  • Strengthened intra-African supply chains
  • Policy and regulation that attract investment
  • New talent developed for high-skill sectors
  • Communities benefiting from long-term value creation
Veronica Bolton Smith

Chief Executive Officer

Veronica Bolton Smith

Chief Executive Officer
Trade & Investment | Government Relations | Policy

Veronica has over 20 years of experience advising 32+ African governments and leading FTSE 100 companies on FDI attraction and trade strategy. She has been recognised by the United Nations as a Top 100 Most Influential Person of African Descent in Business. Veronica is also:

  • An Ambassador for The HALO Trust

  • A Non-Executive Director at ThirdWay Capital

  • An Advisory Board Member at Akojo Market

Olimpia Pilch

Chief Strategy Officer

Olimpia Pilch

Chief Strategy Officer
Advocacy | Geopolitics | Critical Minerals

A trained exploration geologist, Olimpia is a respected global voice in critical minerals policy. She is:

  • A Director of the Critical Minerals Association Australia

  • A consultant and strategist for critical minerals companies globally

  • Author of The Critical Minerals Pragmatist

Her work bridges technical understanding with pragmatic, policy-driven solutions to supply chain challenges.

Dr Theophilus Acheampong

Head of Research & Markets

Dr Theophilus Acheampong

Head of Research & Markets
Data Analysis | Economic Growth | Thought Leadership

Theo is an economist and political risk expert with 15 years' experience in the extractives sector and public financial management. He currently holds:

  • An Honorary Research Fellowship at the University of Aberdeen

  • An Associate Lectureship at the University of Dundee

  • A role as Non-resident Senior Fellow at IMANI Centre for Policy and Education

His deep regional expertise and rigorous analysis make him a leading figure in Africa's critical minerals discourse.

Advisory Board

The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) has established an Advisory Board to guide its strategic direction, ensuring it remains responsive to Africa's growing role in the global critical minerals sector. The Board comprises leading experts across government relations, geopolitics, communications, and market analytics.

This group brings:

  • Strategic Insight: Guidance on navigating the geopolitical, regulatory, and economic landscapes.

  • Diverse Expertise: Cross-sectoral knowledge from mining, finance, policy, and media.

  • Network Access: Connectivity to global and African stakeholders—governments, investors, and industry.

  • Governance & Accountability: Reinforcement of CMAG's ethical, sustainable approach.

  • Continental Impact: Focus on long-term, inclusive development through responsible value creation.

Natznet Tesfay

Executive Director, Head of Insights and Analytics – S&P Global

Geopolitics | Forecasting | Market Intelligence

A leading voice in geopolitical forecasting and risk analysis, Natznet has over a decade of experience delivering strategic insights to global decision-makers. She supports CMAG in advancing data-driven approaches to economic planning and supply chain resilience.

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard

Founder and Chairman – APO Group

Public Relations | Media Strategy | Investment Promotion

Nicolas is a communications and public relations expert dedicated to transforming Africa's global narrative. He founded APO Group to provide international media access to African business news and now advises clients and invests in African ventures.

Richard Morgan

Former Head of Government Relations – Anglo American

Governance | Risk Analysis | Public Diplomacy

Richard brings over a decade of experience in corporate-government relations, with deep expertise in governance, ESG, and stakeholder engagement across Africa. His career spans roles at Anglo American, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and a secondment to Unilever.