Dr. Ismail Akalay holds a PhD in solid state chemistry from the University Pierre et Marie Curie -Paris VI, an Executive Master from HEC and from the Instituto de Empresas in Madrid. He spent his entire career at MANAGEM for 33 years, including several years dedicated to industrial research, during which he recorded a record of 7 patents in the field of mining and batteries for electrical applications in his capacity as R&D Director. For nearly twenty years, he gradually assumed the General Management of Mines and Industries of MANAGEM and chaired the main Congolese subsidiary of the group for 8 years- He is currently General Manager of Sonasid.