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Africa's gold reserves: A strategic treasure driving the continent's economic prospects

Map of Africa's largest gold reserves in tonnes, highlighting disparities between Algeria, South Africa, and other countries.

Cette visualisation est également disponible en Français.


The Key Insights


  • Algeria holds the largest gold reserves in Africa with 174 tonnes, followed by Libya (147 tonnes) and Egypt (127 tonnes).

  • South Africa, renowned for its gold mining industry, ranks fourth with 125 tonnes.

  • North African countries dominate in gold reserves, with the notable exception of South Africa.

  • Countries such as Mozambique (3.9 tonnes) and Tunisia (6.8 tonnes) have significantly smaller reserves compared to the top-ranking nations.


Africa's Gold Reserves: A Strategic Treasure for Economic Growth


Gold reserves are not just a symbol of wealth; they serve as a strategic asset for stabilizing economies and fostering development. In Africa, the distribution of gold reserves reflects significant regional disparities, with some nations holding vast amounts while others lag far behind.


The regional distribution of gold reserves


Algeria leads the continent with an impressive 174 tonnes of gold reserves, followed by Libya (147 tonnes) and Egypt (127 tonnes). South Africa, historically a global leader in gold mining, ranks fourth with 125 tonnes. These countries, particularly in North Africa, dominate the landscape, leveraging their reserves as a cornerstone of financial stability.


In contrast, nations like Ghana (8.7 tonnes) and Nigeria (21.7 tonnes), despite their mining capabilities, hold comparatively modest reserves. This disparity highlights differing levels of investment in mining infrastructure, gold management strategies, and economic priorities.


Economic impact of gold reserves


Gold reserves, as strategic assets, help stabilize economies against external shocks. They also serve as collateral in international trade and can act as a lever to attract foreign investments. However, to maximize their potential, African countries must implement sustainable policies that promote transparency, diversification, and local development.


Gold reserves in Africa are therefore not merely economic indicators but potential tools for transformation. By optimizing their management, African nations could strengthen their economic resilience and accelerate growth.


The data


The figures presented in the visual come from Trading Economics, a reliable source that compiles global macroeconomic data. They reflect the official gold reserves in tonnes for each mentioned African country. This data provides a valuable overview of the distribution of gold wealth across the continent.

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