The Democratic Republic of Congo is seeking to significantly increase the volume of gold sourced from its vast artisanal mining sector as part of a broader effort to formalize trade and strengthen national reserves.

DRC’s state gold project targets 15 tons of artisanal gold with central bank backing. 

The Democratic Republic of Congo aims to significantly increase gold sourced from its artisanal mining sector to 15 metric tons in 2024.

State-owned DRC Gold Trading, established as a joint venture with the UAE, is central to efforts to formalize trade and reduce smuggling.

The Congolese central bank will have priority access to the collected gold, helping to build national reserves at global prices.

This move aligns with a broader African trend of governments seeking more control and value from their gold resources.

DRC Gold Trading, the country’s state-owned gold trading entity, plans to boost the amount of artisanal gold it sells to 15 metric tons this year, with the country’s central bank expected to play a key role as a buyer. 

The initiative reflects Kinshasa’s growing push to channel gold from informal mining networks into official markets.

The company was established in December 2022 as a joint venture with the United Arab Emirates to bring more transparency to Congo’s gold sector, which has long been dominated by smuggling and informal trade.

In the past three years, the venture has acquired only about 10 tons of gold for trading, highlighting the scale of the challenge the government faces in formalizing the sector.

According to DRC Gold Trading CEO Joseph Kazibaziba, the company signed an agreement with the country’s central bank in February granting it priority access to the gold the firm collects, Reuters reports. The metal would help build Congo’s national reserves, with pricing expected to follow international benchmarks and national regulations.

The Congolese central bank will have priority access to the collected gold, helping to build national reserves at global prices.

Congo’s strategy reflects a broader trend across Africa as governments seek greater control over their mineral wealth.

Several African countries, including Mali and Burkina Faso, have moved to increase state participation in gold mining and tighten oversight of exports in recent years, aiming to capture more value from the continent’s natural resources.

For Congo, which is already the world’s largest supplier of key battery metals such as cobalt, gold represents another significant untapped opportunity. The government took full ownership of DRC Gold Trading in 2024 to strengthen oversight of artisanal production and reduce illicit exports.

More than 45 foreign buyers have expressed interest in purchasing gold from the state trader, though authorities say building domestic reserves remains the priority.

Congo has also taken steps to improve governance in its mining sector amid easing regional tensions and growing international engagement, including diplomatic involvement by the United States in efforts to stabilize the country’s conflict with Rwanda.

 Officials hope that improved stability and oversight will help the country better harness its vast mineral wealth.