Top 20 Gold Producing Countries in Africa: Updated List 2025/6

Discover the top 20 gold producing countries in Africa, ranked by annual output, major mines, and future growth trends in this 2025 update.

Africa is one of the world’s richest gold-producing continents, hosting several countries that rank among global gold leaders. This article lists the top 20 gold producing countries in Africa, ranked by estimated annual production, highlighting key mining regions, major producers, and trends shaping Africa’s gold industry.

As a vital component of the global gold supply, Africa contributes approximately 20-25% of worldwide production, with an estimated total output exceeding 700 tonnes in 2025.

This data matters for investors, traders, and policymakers, as gold drives economic growth, employment, and export revenues across the continent. Factors like rising global demand, technological advancements, and geopolitical shifts influence production levels.

This 2025 update draws from the latest reports, including those from the World Gold Council and USGS, reflecting preliminary estimates and projections for the year.

Gold production in Africa not only bolsters national economies but also intersects with challenges like environmental sustainability and artisanal mining practices.

With gold prices surging—reaching over $3,500 per ounce in late 2025—the industry is poised for expansion, though it faces hurdles such as regulatory reforms and climate impacts.  This comprehensive guide explores the rankings, breakdowns, trends, and future outlook to provide valuable insights for anyone interested in Africa’s golden landscape.

Ranking Table: Top 20 Gold Producing Countries in Africa (2025 Estimates)

Google often features structured data like tables in search results, making this a key element for visibility. Below is a comparison of the top producers based on 2025 projections.

Rank	Country	Annual Gold Production (Tonnes)	Major Gold Regions	Notes
1	Ghana	158	Ashanti Goldfields, Western Region	Leading producer; significant artisanal sector; output up 6% from 2024.
2	South Africa	100	Witwatersrand Basin, Gauteng	Historic leader; deep-level mining; facing declining reserves.
3	Sudan	90	Nubian Desert, Red Sea Hills	Rapid growth; artisanal dominance; political instability affects output.
4	Mali	70	Kayes Region, Sadiola	Major industrial mines; French and Canadian companies active.
5	Burkina Faso	60	Houndé Belt, Nord Region	Emerging hub; security concerns in some areas.
6	Tanzania	50	Lake Victoria Goldfields	Barrick Gold operations; tax reforms boosting investment.
7	Guinea	50	Siguiri Basin, Northeast	Bauxite overlap; AngloGold Ashanti key player.
8	Côte d’Ivoire	40	Ity Mine, Western Region	French-speaking West Africa leader; Endeavour Mining prominent.
9	Zimbabwe	40	Midlands Province, Great Dyke	Revival post-sanctions; small-scale miners contribute heavily.
10	Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)	30	Kivu Province, Eastern DRC	Conflict zones; vast untapped potential.
11	Senegal	18	Sabodala Region, Eastern Senegal	Teranga Gold (now Endeavour) operations.
12	Mauritania	15	Inchiri Region, Tasiast Mine	Kinross Gold major operator; desert mining challenges.
13	Egypt	15	Eastern Desert, Sukari Mine	Centamin’s flagship; ancient mining history revived.
14	Ethiopia	10	Oromia Region, Lega Dembi	Midroc Gold; artisanal growth.
15	Nigeria	6	Zamfara State, Northwest	Emerging; illegal mining issues.
16	Sierra Leone	5	Kono District, Eastern Province	Diamond overlap; post-conflict recovery.
17	Liberia	5	Grand Cape Mount, Western Liberia	New Liberty Mine; Aureus Mining.
18	Cameroon	5	Eastern Region, Batouri	Artisanal focus; Chinese investments.
19	Kenya	3	Kakamega County, Western Kenya	Acacia Mining explorations.
20	Niger	3	Tillabéri Region, West Niger	Small-scale; uranium mining synergy.

This table uses estimated 2025 data from aggregated sources, with total African output around 770 tonnes.  Production figures can vary due to reporting differences between industrial and artisanal sources.

top 20 gold producing countries in africa

1. Ghana – Africa’s Leading Gold Producer

Ghana tops the list with an estimated 158 tonnes in 2025, a 6.25% increase from 2024’s record 149 tonnes.  As Africa’s premier gold exporter, Ghana’s industry employs over a million people, contributing 8-10% to GDP.

Major regions include the Ashanti Gold Belt, home to Obuasi Mine operated by AngloGold Ashanti, and the Western Region’s Tarkwa Mine by Gold Fields. Key companies like Newmont and Kinross also drive output.

Ghana’s role in Africa’s gold sector is pivotal, blending large-scale industrial mining with a vibrant artisanal segment that accounts for 30-40% of production. Recent reforms, including community mining schemes, aim to curb illegal activities while boosting formalization.

With reserves estimated at 1,000 tonnes, Ghana’s future looks bright, though water pollution from mercury use remains a concern.

2. South Africa

Once the global gold king, South Africa produces around 100 tonnes annually in 2025, down from historic highs but still significant.  The Witwatersrand Basin, the world’s largest gold deposit, hosts deep mines like Mponeng (over 4km deep).

Major players include Harmony Gold and Sibanye-Stillwater. South Africa’s sector employs 100,000+ workers but faces challenges like high costs and labor disputes.

It contributes to Africa’s gold narrative through technological innovations in deep mining, though output has declined 80% since the 1970s due to depleting reserves. Environmental legacies, such as acid mine drainage, highlight the need for sustainable practices.

3. Sudan

Sudan’s 90 tonnes output in 2025 stems largely from artisanal mining in the Nubian Desert and Red Sea Hills.  The Jebel Amir region is key, with Russian-backed industrial projects emerging.

Companies like Orca Gold operate amid political turmoil. Sudan’s gold funds much of its economy, but smuggling and conflict hinder formal growth. As a rising star, it exemplifies Africa’s untapped potential, with reserves over 1,500 tonnes.

4. Mali

Mali’s 70 tonnes come from the Kayes and Sikasso regions, with Loulo-Gounkoto Mine (Barrick Gold) as a flagship. Randgold Resources (now Barrick) dominates. Mali’s gold is 90% industrial, supporting 10% of GDP. Political instability post-2020 coups affects investor confidence, but new explorations promise growth.

5. Burkina Faso

Producing 60 tonnes, Burkina Faso’s Houndé and Mana mines (Endeavour Mining) lead. The sector boomed post-2010, but jihadist threats disrupt operations. Artisanal mining thrives, contributing to local economies despite safety risks.

6. Tanzania

Tanzania’s 50 tonnes originate from Geita and North Mara mines (AngloGold and Barrick). Reforms under President Magufuli increased royalties, boosting revenue. Tanzania’s role emphasizes East Africa’s growing prominence in gold.

7. Guinea

Guinea matches Tanzania at 50 tonnes, focused on Siguiri (AngloGold) and Lefa (Nordgold). Overlapping with bauxite, gold aids diversification. Infrastructure improvements could unlock more.

8. Côte d’Ivoire

With 40 tonnes, Côte d’Ivoire’s Ity and Agbaou mines (Endeavour) shine. Rapid growth since 2015 makes it West Africa’s rising star.

9. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s 40 tonnes from Freda Rebecca and Shamva mines reflect revival. Fidelity Printers refines most output; artisanal miners produce 60%.

10. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

DRC’s 30 tonnes from Kibali (Barrick) underscore vast potential amid conflict. Reserves exceed 2,000 tonnes.

11. Senegal

Senegal’s 18 tonnes from Sabodala (Endeavour) support rural development.

12. Mauritania

Mauritania’s 15 tonnes from Tasiast (Kinross) battle desert conditions.

13. Egypt

Egypt’s 15 tonnes from Sukari (Centamin) revive pharaonic legacies.

14. Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s 10 tonnes from Midroc’s Lega Dembi focus on exports.

15. Nigeria

Nigeria’s 6 tonnes emerge from artisanal efforts in Zamfara, with formalization needed.

16. Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s 5 tonnes from Kono aid post-war recovery.

17. Liberia

Liberia’s 5 tonnes from New Liberty mark investment returns.

18. Cameroon

Cameroon’s 5 tonnes attract Chinese firms.

19. Kenya

Kenya’s 3 tonnes from Acacia explorations signal potential.

20. Niger

Niger’s 3 tonnes complement uranium mining.

Gold Production Trends in Africa

Africa’s gold output has risen steadily, projected at over 700 tonnes in 2025, up 5% from 2024.  Rising producers like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire benefit from investments and reforms, with Ghana’s output climbing due to new mines and efficiency gains.

  Declining ones, such as South Africa, grapple with ore depletion and high costs. Technology like automation and renewable energy integration drives trends, while conflicts in Sudan and DRC cap potential. Overall, West Africa dominates with 60% of continental production, shifting from South Africa’s historic lead.

Artisanal vs Industrial Gold Production

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) accounts for 20-30% of Africa’s gold, employing 10 million people continent-wide.  In countries like Sudan and Zimbabwe, ASGM dominates, using manual tools and mercury for extraction, fostering local economies but posing health risks. 

Industrial mining, prevalent in Ghana and Mali, involves large corporations with machinery, offering stable jobs but often displacing artisanal operations.

  Challenges include formalization to reduce environmental harm; opportunities lie in hybrid models for sustainable growth.

Gold Reserves vs Gold Production

Africa holds vast reserves, but production lags in some nations. South Africa has 5,000 tonnes in reserves yet produces only 100 tonnes annually due to deep deposits. 

Algeria leads reserves at 174 tonnes but minimal production.  Countries like DRC with high reserves (2,000+ tonnes) have growth potential through exploration. This disparity signals future booms if infrastructure improves.

Environmental & Economic Impact

Gold mining generates $50 billion+ in African exports, funding infrastructure and jobs.  However, environmental tolls include deforestation (58% in mining areas), mercury pollution, and water contamination.  In South Africa, acid drainage affects rivers; responsible initiatives like the Africa Mining Vision promote ESG standards.

Challenges Facing African Gold Producers

Key issues include regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure gaps, and illegal mining, costing billions in lost revenue.  Security threats in Burkina Faso and energy shortages in South Africa hinder operations.  Smuggling and climate change add layers of complexity.

Future Outlook of Gold Production in Africa

With gold demand rising amid global uncertainty, Africa’s output could hit 800 tonnes by 2030.  Exploration in DRC and policy reforms in Ghana signal growth.  ESG focus and tech adoption will shape sustainability, with de-dollarization boosting local retention

FAQ s

Which country produces the most gold in Africa? Ghana, with 158 tonnes in 2025.

How many African countries produce gold? Over 30, but the top 20 account for 95% of output.

Is Africa the largest gold-producing continent? No, but it’s second after Asia, with 20-25% global share.

Which African country has the largest gold reserves? South Africa, with 5,000 tonnes unmined.

Is African gold exported globally? Yes, primarily to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.