Africa continues to be a hotspot for new gold discoveries, with several promising finds reported in early 2025. Exploration companies are uncovering fresh deposits across the continent, reinforcing Africa’s role as a major player in global gold production.
Here’s an update on where significant gold discoveries have been made recently and what they mean for the future of mining in Africa.
1. Ethiopia – New High-Grade Gold Zone Discovered
In early 2025, Savka Mining Company announced a high-grade gold discovery in the Sakaro area, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region.
Key highlights:
- Initial drill results returned up to 18 g/t gold over 15 meters
- Part of the Nile Craton, a newly explored geological zone
- Potential for large-scale open-pit and underground mining
This discovery has sparked increased exploration interest from international firms looking to expand operations in East Africa.
2. Ghana – Expansion of Known Deposits
Ghana remains a top destination for gold investment, and recent drilling by AngloGold Ashanti at its Obuasi Mine has revealed extensions of existing ore bodies.
New findings include:
- High-grade intersections of up to 14 g/t gold at depth
- Confirmation of mineralization continuity beyond current reserves
- Plans underway for mine life extension and deeper shaft development
These expansions reinforce Ghana’s status as Africa’s leading gold producer in 2025.
3. Mali – New Resource Addition in Southern Belt
In southern Mali, B2Gold reported new gold resource additions at its Fekola Mine Complex, including:
- Step-out drilling confirming significant extensions of the main deposit
- Grades averaging 6–9 g/t gold over multiple kilometers
- Potential for underground expansion and satellite deposit development
Mali continues to attract investment due to its favorable geology and relatively stable mining environment compared to neighboring countries.
4. Kenya – Early-Stage Prospects in Kakamega
Kenya’s Kakamega Greenstone Belt is gaining attention after Stratex International and Base Resources announced encouraging soil and rock sample results indicating gold anomalies over a wide area.
While still in the early exploration phase, these findings suggest potential for future gold development in Kenya, which currently relies mostly on artisanal mining.
5. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – Gold in Copperbelt Revisited
Historically known for copper and cobalt, the Central African Copperbelt in the DRC is now showing renewed interest in gold potential.
Recent findings by Hatch Minerals and Resolute Mining indicate:
- Gold associated with copper deposits in the Kolwezi and Kambove areas
- Some zones returning over 5 g/t gold in initial sampling
- Potential for co-genetic gold-copper systems similar to Zambia
This could lead to a shift in how the region is explored and developed in the coming years.
📈 Summary of Recent Gold Discoveries in Africa (2025)
| Country | Discovery Area | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia | Sakaro, Afar Region | High-grade, new greenfield zone |
| Ghana | Obuasi Mine | Deep extensions of known deposits |
| Mali | Fekola Mine | Resource growth and grade confirmation |
| Kenya | Kakamega Greenstone Belt | Early-stage anomalies identified |
| DRC | Central African Copperbelt | Gold found alongside copper zones |
🔍 What These Discoveries Mean for Africa
- Increased foreign investment in exploration and infrastructure
- Job creation and economic growth in local communities
- Expansion of gold reserves, supporting long-term production
- More opportunities for artisanal miners through formalization programs
- Potential for new gold-producing regions beyond traditional belts
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where was gold recently discovered in Africa?
A: Recent discoveries were made in Ethiopia (Sakaro), Ghana (Obuasi), Mali (Fekola), Kenya (Kakamega), and the DRC Copperbelt.
Q: Is Africa still a good place for gold exploration?
A: Yes, Africa remains one of the most prospective regions globally, with underexplored belts and ongoing discoveries.
Q: How do new gold finds impact local economies?
A: They bring investment, jobs, and infrastructure development, especially in rural and mining-dependent areas.
✅ Final Thoughts
The gold found in Africa recently shows that the continent remains rich in untapped resources. With continued exploration and responsible development, Africa can maintain its position as a key global gold supplier while boosting local economies and sustainable growth.
As more discoveries come to light, Africa’s gold sector looks increasingly promising in 2025 and beyond.
