Congo Expands State Gold Trading to Strengthen National Reserves
DRC Gold Trading Targets 15 Tons of Artisanal Gold in 2026 as Central Bank Eyes Reserve Boost
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s state-owned gold trading company plans to significantly increase the volume of gold it purchases from the country’s artisanal mining sector, targeting up to 15 metric tons this year, with the national central bank expected to play a key role as a buyer.
Congo, one of the world’s leading suppliers of battery metals and a country rich in largely untapped gold deposits established DRC Gold Trading in December 2022 as a joint venture with the United Arab Emirates. Over its first three years of operation, the company purchased only 10 tons of gold for trading.
In 2024, the Congolese government assumed full ownership of the company as part of a broader strategy to channel artisanal gold production into formal export markets.
The move reflects similar efforts across Africa aimed at reducing smuggling and improving oversight of the informal mining sector.
In February, DRC Gold Trading signed an agreement with the Central Bank of Congo granting the bank priority access to all gold the company acquires. The arrangement is designed to support the country’s efforts to build up its national gold reserves.
Central banks worldwide have been increasing their gold holdings in recent years, using bullion as a hedge against economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Push to Strengthen Domestic Reserves
DRC Gold Trading CEO Joseph Kazibaziba told Reuters that the pricing of gold sold to the central bank would follow international market benchmarks and comply with national regulations.
The amount delivered will depend on the central bank’s demand under the February agreement.
Kazibaziba said more than 45 foreign buyers have expressed interest in sourcing gold from DRC Gold Trading. However, he emphasized that strengthening the country’s domestic reserves remains the company’s primary objective.
The company is also rapidly expanding its operations. Until 2023, it purchased just 25 kilograms of artisanal gold per year for trading. Now it is extending its presence across eight provinces to keep pace with rising demand.
“The quantity to be delivered will depend on the central bank’s demand,” Kazibaziba said. “Everything is being done to ensure that we fully meet our obligations.”
The Central Bank of Congo has not publicly disclosed its target level for gold reserves.
Meanwhile, surging global gold prices have fueled a boom in informal mining across Africa. Weak regulatory oversight in many regions means a significant portion of the continent’s gold output is still smuggled abroad rather than entering official markets.
