Africa maintained its position as a major player in the global gold industry in 2025, with several countries posting significant production figures despite rising operational costs, security concerns, and evolving mining policies.
Ghana emerged as Africa’s leading gold producer during the year, recording an estimated 187.3 tonnes of gold and ranking sixth worldwide.
South Africa followed Ghana with 98.7 tonnes, while Burkina Faso placed third on the continent with 94.0 tonnes.
West African countries featured prominently in the rankings, with Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire all securing positions among Africa’s 10 largest gold producers.
According to data from Metals Focus and the World Gold Council covering production up to December 31, 2025, Ghana’s output was significantly higher than that of any other African country.
The figures also placed Ghana among the world’s leading gold-producing nations, underscoring the increasing importance of Africa to the international gold market.
Ghana Leads Africa’s Gold Production
Ghana’s production of 187.3 tonnes placed the country firmly at the top of Africa’s gold production rankings in 2025.
Gold has historically played an important role in Ghana’s economy, contributing substantially to export earnings, foreign exchange reserves, government revenue and employment. The country’s mining sector has also attracted considerable investment from major international companies operating large-scale mines across various regions.
Ghana’s strong performance comes as the government intensifies efforts to maximise the economic value of the country’s gold resources.
Through the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy, the government has reached arrangements with large-scale mining companies to channel part of their gold production into Ghana’s strategic reserves.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the country’s gold holdings and providing additional support for the wider economy. Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has described the accumulation of gold reserves as an economic war chest, reflecting the government’s strategy of leveraging Ghana’s mineral resources to improve economic resilience.
Ghana’s leading position also comes amid renewed global interest in gold as a strategic asset. For major gold-producing nations, the precious metal serves not only as an important export commodity but also as a tool for strengthening national reserves and supporting foreign exchange stability.
South Africa Maintains Second Position
South Africa recorded 98.7 tonnes of gold in 2025, making it the continent’s second-largest producer.
The country has a long and influential history in the global gold industry. For much of the 20th century, South Africa was the world’s leading gold producer, with its extensive deposits contributing significantly to the country’s industrial development.
However, production has fallen substantially from its historical peak.
One of the major challenges facing South Africa’s gold industry is the ageing nature of several of its mines. Some operations extend to extreme depths, making gold extraction increasingly expensive and technically challenging.
Deep-level mining requires significant expenditure on ventilation, safety systems, energy and underground infrastructure. Declining ore grades and increasing operating costs have also affected the profitability of some mining operations.
Despite these difficulties, gold remains an important component of South Africa’s mining sector and continues to support employment and economic activity in communities surrounding the country’s historic mining areas.
Burkina Faso Ranks Third
Burkina Faso produced 94.0 tonnes of gold in 2025, placing it third among Africa’s largest producers.
Gold has become increasingly important to the Burkinabè economy, generating export earnings, government revenue and employment for thousands of people.
The country’s mining industry comprises both large-scale commercial operations and artisanal and small-scale mining activities.
Its strong production performance is particularly notable given the prolonged security challenges affecting parts of the country. Security concerns can disrupt mining operations, transportation networks, investment and regulatory supervision.
Nevertheless, Burkina Faso continues to maintain a significant position in the international gold market.
Mali and Sudan Complete Africa’s Top Five
Mali ranked fourth in Africa after producing 82.9 tonnes of gold in 2025.
Gold remains one of Mali’s most important export commodities and plays a central role in the country’s economy. Mali possesses extensive gold deposits and has a mining sector that includes large industrial operations alongside smaller-scale producers.
Sudan occupied fifth place with 74.6 tonnes.
Despite political instability and ongoing conflict, gold continues to be a crucial part of Sudan’s economy. The country has substantial mineral resources, while artisanal and small-scale mining contributes significantly to overall gold production.
Sudan’s position in the rankings highlights the resilience of Africa’s gold sector, where significant mineral wealth often exists alongside political, security and regulatory difficulties.
West Africa Dominates Africa’s Gold Rankings
The 2025 production figures further demonstrate the growing influence of West Africa in the global gold industry.
Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea all ranked among Africa’s six largest gold producers. Guinea recorded 69.3 tonnes, placing sixth on the continental ranking.
Zimbabwe ranked seventh with 62.4 tonnes, followed by Côte d’Ivoire with 59.2 tonnes. Tanzania recorded 51.0 tonnes, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo completed the top 10 with 42.4 tonnes.
The rankings highlight the geographical diversity of Africa’s gold industry, with major producers spread across West, East, Central and Southern Africa.
Top 10 Gold-Producing Countries in Africa in 2025
| Rank | Country | Gold Production |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ghana | 187.3 tonnes |
| 2 | South Africa | 98.7 tonnes |
| 3 | Burkina Faso | 94.0 tonnes |
| 4 | Mali | 82.9 tonnes |
| 5 | Sudan | 74.6 tonnes |
| 6 | Guinea | 69.3 tonnes |
| 7 | Zimbabwe | 62.4 tonnes |
| 8 | Côte d’Ivoire | 59.2 tonnes |
| 9 | Tanzania | 51.0 tonnes |
| 10 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 42.4 tonnes |
Ghana Among the World’s Biggest Gold Producers
On the global stage, China remained the largest gold producer in 2025, recording 384.3 tonnes. Russia followed with 345.0 tonnes, while Australia ranked third with 293.2 tonnes.
Canada produced 213.3 tonnes to occupy fourth place, followed by Peru with 208.9 tonnes.
Ghana ranked sixth globally with 187.3 tonnes, ahead of established gold-producing economies such as the United States, Uzbekistan, Mexico and Indonesia.
The figures reinforce Ghana’s growing importance in the international gold industry and highlight the broader contribution of African producers to global gold supply.