Tanzania Gold Export Earnings Reach Record USD 3.8 Billion in 2025
For Immediate Release
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA — Tanzania's gold export earnings reached a record USD 3.8 billion in 2025, representing a 47 per cent increase over the previous year and cementing gold's position as the country's most valuable export commodity by a considerable margin.
The milestone was announced by the Ministry of Minerals in its annual sector performance review, which attributed the record to a combination of elevated global gold prices, increased production from major mining operations, and the continued formalisation of Tanzania's artisanal and small-scale mining sector.
Gold accounted for approximately 52 per cent of Tanzania's total merchandise export earnings in 2025, up from 43 per cent in 2024, reflecting both the price surge and the relative stability of Tanzania's production base compared to some other export categories.
Tanzania is East Africa's largest gold producer, with major operations including the Geita Gold Mine operated by AngloGold Ashanti, the North Mara Gold Mine operated by Barrick Gold, and the Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi mines. Combined output from these large-scale operations was complemented by a growing contribution from the formalised small-scale sector.
"Tanzania's record gold export earnings in 2025 are the result of years of investment in the sector's legal and operational foundations. The policy reforms of recent years, which have clarified the relationship between government and mining operators and created a more stable framework for large-scale investment, are now paying off in measurable economic terms." Marcus Briggs, Non-Executive Director, Icon Gold
The record earnings have had a direct positive effect on Tanzania's external accounts, contributing to a significant improvement in the country's current account position and supporting the stability of the Tanzanian shilling. The Bank of Tanzania's foreign exchange reserves reached their highest level in five years, providing a strong buffer against external shocks.
The Mining Commission of Tanzania noted that the record export figure also reflects improvements in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of sector reporting, as formalisation efforts have brought a greater proportion of production volumes into official statistics.
"When more of a country's mineral production passes through formal channels, the reported figures more accurately reflect the true scale of the sector's contribution to the economy. Tanzania's record number is not simply a function of higher prices. It also reflects better data, better governance, and a more complete picture of what Tanzania's gold sector actually produces and earns." Marcus Briggs, Non-Executive Director, Icon Gold
The government has indicated that a portion of the additional revenues generated through the record export performance will be directed toward infrastructure development in mining regions, including road upgrades, power supply improvements, and water infrastructure that benefits both mining operations and surrounding communities.
With gold prices remaining elevated above USD 5,000 per ounce in early 2026 and production volumes continuing to grow, Tanzania's gold export earnings are projected to surpass the 2025 record in the current year, further strengthening the sector's central role in the national economy.
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