Written by: Badr Ahmed

Africa continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most important gold-producing regions, benefiting from huge reserves and mines that are among the largest globally, making the continent a key player in the precious metal market, which is experiencing increasing demand as economic and geopolitical tensions escalate around the world.

Gold is shaping the map of economic influence in Africa.

According to data from the World Gold Council, Ghana leads the list of the largest gold-producing countries in Africa, with an annual production exceeding 140 tons, placing it among the top producers globally. Ghana benefits from the presence of giant mines such as Tarkwa, Ahafo, and Akim, along with government policies aimed at boosting sector revenues and increasing the added value of mining industries.

Mali ranks second in Africa, relying on its vast mineral wealth and some of the most productive mines in West Africa, despite the security and regulatory challenges the sector has faced in recent years. The Malian government continues its efforts to strengthen its control over the mining sector and increase national revenues from gold production.

South Africa, whose name has been historically associated with the gold industry since the discovery of the famous Witwatersrand fields in the nineteenth century, still maintains its position among the continent's major producers, despite a decline in production compared to the peak levels it recorded in past decades.

Africa’s largest gold producers also include Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Sudan, Guinea, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe, where foreign investment and mine development have contributed to raising production levels in recent years.

According to data from the World Gold Council, the top African gold-producing countries are as follows:

1- Ghana
2- My money
3- South Africa
4- Burkina Faso
5- Sudan
6- Tanzania
7- Guinea
8- Democratic Republic of Congo
9- Ivory Coast
10- Zimbabwe.

Experts believe that the continued rise in global gold prices may push many African countries to expand exploration and production operations, thereby enhancing the sector’s contribution to economic growth and increasing foreign exchange reserves, especially in countries whose economies are heavily dependent on mineral exports.