Tanzania’s gold exports surged to $4.3 billion in the year ending August 2025, marking a 36% increase from the previous year, according to new data from the Bank of Tanzania.
The sharp rise was largely driven by soaring global gold prices, which recently climbed past $4,000 per ounce—about 50% higher than a year earlier. The rally has cemented gold as the country’s leading export earner, strengthening its position as one of Africa’s top gold producers.
Officials credit the performance to strong global demand and sustained mining output from both large-scale operations and small-scale miners. The boom has helped boost Tanzania’s foreign exchange earnings and improve its trade balance at a time of global economic uncertainty.
However, analysts caution that the benefits may not fully reach the domestic economy. A significant share of mining revenues is controlled by foreign investors through joint ventures, limiting Tanzania’s ability to capture the full value of its mineral wealth. Experts are urging the government to expand local refining, value addition, and skills development to ensure long-term economic gains.
Despite the risks of overreliance on a single commodity, Tanzania’s strong performance in the gold sector highlights its growing influence in global mineral markets and its potential to attract further investment in the mining industry.
