Soaring gold prices are reshaping the investment landscape across West Africa. In the first quarter of 2026, global demand reached 1,231 tonnes, representing a record $193 billion market — up 74% year-on-year.
Against this backdrop, mining companies are looking beyond the quality of gold deposits. Regulatory stability, taxation and infrastructure are increasingly important factors in investment decisions.
Côte d’Ivoire is benefiting from this momentum. The Koné gold project is expected to produce more than 300,000 ounces annually and create around 3,000 jobs. Mauritania and Guinea are also seeking to attract fresh mining investment.
Meanwhile, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana are tightening state control over their gold industries in an effort to secure a greater share of mining revenues.
As governments balance investment attractiveness with greater sovereignty over natural resources, the key challenge remains turning gold wealth into jobs, infrastructure and sustainable economic development.
