Sergey’s business background encompasses executive positions in multinational companies and foundations, as well as extensive experience in lobbying activities of African, U.S. and Russian governments. His government expertise and access has brought multiple successes in the identification of investment opportunities, government funding mechanisms, as well as successful government contract negotiations. Formerly Sergey held the position of Chief of Staff of the National Community Development Organization (NCDO) USA, where he oversaw and coordinated nationwide operations for this 47 location foundation and contributed to successful capital raising efforts. Following his leadership position with NCDO, he headed U.S. operations for the Moscow-based consultancy - MAG Consulting. A citizen of Russia, Sergey attended the school of religious studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC and holds a BA in Theology. He speaks Russian, English, French and Lithuanian.
Mr. Bakaev graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 1998 with degrees in Engineering and Business. In 2001 he received an MS in Engineering and Project Management from Johns Hopkins University. In the past, Dmitry worked for several companies in the USA, starting with an entry-level position and moving into leadership roles on large projects. Until recent years, Dmitry ran an independent project consultancy group dealing with complex development projects. Over the last three and a half years, Dmitry has been involved in Africa working as a partner on privately funded natural resources projects in Niger and Senegal with exposure to all aspects of managing projects and operating ventures in that part of the world. Dmitry has direct expertise in controlling all aspects of exploration activities and general company operation in Africa such as expedition planning and coordination, contract management and enforcement, supervision of geological work and analytical studies, procurement, security, company accounting, tax reporting and audit. Dmitry also has extensive experience with mining and exploration capital markets, project valuation, mineral resource economics, and the legal environment surrounding project funding activities. He has completed training in general and uranium geology as well as corporate finance. Dmitry is in charge of SLM operations, is fluent in Russian and English, and has intermediate knowledge of French.
A native of Niger, Mr. Yacoubou has been with the company since the beginning of Niger project. Mohamed graduated from the University Abdou Moumouni de Niamey in 1997 and has also studied at the University Alfateh de Tripoli. In addition to French (the official language), Mr. Yacoubou is also fluent in Tamajaq, Haoussa, Djerma (the local languages), as well as Arabic and English. In the past he has held several administrative positions with various companies and organizations in Niamey, the capital of Niger.