Gold

Zimbabwe's Central Bank Resumes Gold Coin Issuance In a noteworthy development, Zimbabwe's central bank has made the decision to reinstate the issuance of gold coins, a program that had been temporarily halted for a period of ten months. This revival is not just a procedural footnote; it’s a strategic maneuver aimed at stabilizing the local currency, the Zimbabwean Gold (ZiG), which is currently grappling with significant challenges stemming from policy missteps. The financial landscape in Zimbabwe is particularly…

Burkina Faso's military-led government has recently moved to secure its economic future by granting an industrial mining license to Nordgold, a Russian company. This new gold project is a strategic step for the West African nation, which seeks to leverage soaring gold prices to bolster an economy still reeling from continued insecurity. The decision comes at a crucial time. Amid a backdrop of turmoil and unrest, Burkina Faso looks toward gold, not just as a precious metal but as a lifeline. According to a report by Reuters,…

On Wednesday, the Ashanti Green Initiative (AGI) hosted a high-profile virtual briefing that provided an engaging preview for the Mining in Motion Summit, which is scheduled to unfold from June 2 to 4, 2025, in the vibrant city of Accra, Ghana. This significant event is not just a milestone on the calendar; it embodies a pivotal moment for the mining sector in Ghana, particularly in regards to the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. Leading the webinar was Charles Kwarteng Antwi, a renowned expert in mining…

The recent U.S. Senate hearing, where a representative from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) leveled serious allegations against Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has sparked significant controversy. This hearing accused Traoré of misappropriating Burkina Faso’s gold reserves for his personal security rather than utilizing these resources for the betterment of his nation. In the wake of these claims, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that they are unfounded. The EFF…

In recent years, African economies have encountered an array of global challenges that can only be described as a perfect storm. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still ripple through these nations, leaving them grappling with slowed economic growth, mounting debt, and strained fiscal positions. It's akin to a ship trying to navigate through heavy fog, where visibility is limited, yet the journey must continue. Have we collectively learned enough from this turmoil to chart a safer course? Compounding…

Ghana Directs Foreign Nationals to Exit Local Gold Market by April 30, 2025 It was barely a year ago when a conversation over coffee in Accra turned to the booming gold trade and the significant presence of foreign entities involved. My companion, a dedicated small-scale miner by profession, voiced a wary hope, "One day, perhaps, Ghana will have better control of its own precious resources." It seems now, that day has come. On April 14, Ghana officially announced a sweeping directive urging all foreign nationals…

The yearning for certainty in a turbulent market is palpable, especially when political decisions add layers of unpredictability. This is a sentiment echoed by many investors amidst the upheavals caused by policy shifts, notably those under Trump's administration. In the world of finance, where assurance is as rare as a unicorn, gold has emerged as a beacon. From a price of just over $2,000, it's climbed above $3,000, marking one of the most significant surges for…

On an intriguing Saturday in March 2025, a thought-provoking post emerged from Dr. Forson on X, formerly known as Twitter. It wasn't just a casual tweet; it was a call to arms against the shadowy corridors of Ghana's gold smuggling scene that gnaw at the heart of the nation's economy. Imagine strolling through a marketplace, every corner brimming with the vibrant pulse of life. Now picture how that energy dims when the wealth that should fuel such vibrancy slips insidiously into the abyss of illicit trade.…

Current Market Conditions and Silver's Performance in 2024 In 2024, silver prices jumped by an impressive 18%, outpacing gold's more modest growth. What fueled this surge? Mainly, it was a mix of inflationary pressures and heightened industrial demand, particularly from the renewable energy sector. Unlike gold, which is traditionally seen as a safe-haven asset, silver holds a dual role—it serves both as an investment asset and as an industrial metal. This duality provides silver with a unique advantage in volatile…

The digital landscape in Africa is evolving at a fascinating pace. A recent report by AppsFlyer, crafted in collaboration with Google, highlights a compelling trend: financial apps are not just making waves—they are reshaping the mobile app ecosystem across the continent. The Dominance of Financial Apps Let's take a journey through the bustling streets of technology evolution. Between 2023 and 2024, particularly in the first quarter, financial applications…