Stakeholders in Africa’s mining industry have called for increased investment in the continent’s gold and gemstone sectors, saying stronger financial support is needed to unlock the full economic potential of the valuable natural resources. They noted that Africa has some of the world’s richest deposits of gold and gemstones, but many countries continue to struggle with limited funding, outdated mining equipment, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient processing facilities. According to the stakeholders, increased investment could help modernise mining operations, improve exploration and strengthen local processing capacity. They said governments and private sector operators must work together to create an investment-friendly environment that encourages both local and international investors to commit more resources to the industry. The stakeholders also stressed the need for transparent regulations, improved access to finance and stronger institutions to support sustainable mining activities. They argued that Africa could generate significantly more revenue by processing and adding value to its minerals locally rather than exporting them mainly in raw form. They further identified opportunities in gold refining, gemstone cutting, jewellery production and other downstream activities that could create jobs and support industrial development. The stakeholders urged African governments to ensure that mining investments benefit host communities while protecting the environment and promoting responsible resource management. They maintained that a well-funded and properly regulated gold and gemstone industry could contribute significantly to economic diversification, foreign exchange earnings, employment creation and sustainable development across the continent.
