By Amina K. Ndlovu, African Correspondent
Sudan’s gold industry, once a lifeline for foreign currency and a pillar of its economy, is now staggering under the weight of civil conflict, shattered infrastructure, and collapsing trade partnerships.
Although global gold prices are soaring to record highs, Sudanese traders find themselves excluded from the boom. As one of Africa’s leading producers and exporters of gold, Sudan’s industry has been dealt severe setbacks by insecurity and fractured trade routes.
“The current market is incredibly difficult. It’s a heavy blow to the gold sector,” lamented Mohammed Al-Sawakni, head of the Gold Industry Association in Red Sea State.
Gold mining in Sudan remains largely artisanal, and since the outbreak of conflict, production has plummeted. Much of the country’s output is now slipping through illegal channels, smuggled across borders. Processing facilities and refineries face shortages of raw materials, forcing many to scale back or shut down entirely. Small workshops and retail traders are struggling to survive as trade volumes shrink and profit margins narrow.
Nearly three years of civil war have crippled exports. In May, Khartoum severed ties with the United Arab Emirates, accusing the Gulf nation of backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in their battle against Sudan’s armed forces.
“The UAE is one of the Middle East’s most important gold markets and trading centers,” explained economist Ahmed Omar Khojali. “Finding alternative markets will be a daunting task for Sudan.”
In response, Sudan’s government is stepping up efforts to curb illegal mining and smuggling, while tightening regulations on gold sales and exports. Plans are underway to establish an international gold exchange in Khartoum and launch a global online trading platform. Officials hope these measures will stabilize circulation and open new export avenues, even as the nation grapples with turmoil.
