Africa is home to some of the world’s biggest gold producing countries, with several nations increasingly investing in local refineries to process gold before it is exported.
Gold refining has become an important part of efforts by African governments to increase the value they derive from their mineral resources and reduce the export of raw or semi-processed gold.
Recent research published in 2026 shows that Ghana has the highest reported number of gold refineries in Africa, followed by Zambia, while Uganda and Tanzania also have multiple refining facilities. However, the exact number varies between sources because some databases count only established refineries, while others include smaller refining companies and facilities operating under customs or bonded arrangements.
Ghana has the highest reported number of gold refineries in Africa, with five facilities identified in recent research. The country’s position reflects its importance as one of Africa’s leading gold producers and its efforts to process more of its gold domestically. The US Department of Commerce has identified several Ghanaian gold-refining companies, including Gold Coast Refinery, Goldridge Refinery, M&C Gold and Precious Metals Refinery, Mentrx Refinery, Royal Ghana Gold and Sahara Royal Gold Refinery.
Zambia has four reported gold refineries, making it one of Africa’s major gold-refining centres. The country’s refining industry has developed alongside efforts to increase formal gold production and processing. Recent research places Zambia second on the continent based on the number of reported refining facilities.
Uganda has three reported gold refineries, according to 2026 research. The country’s gold industry is particularly significant because Uganda has developed a substantial gold-processing and trading sector. However, the number can be higher depending on what is classified as a refinery. Some companies operate under customs or bonded-warehouse arrangements and also carry out gold refining. The US Department of Commerce’s database, for example, identifies several Ugandan refinery operators, including Afriswiss Gold Refinery, Bullion Refinery, Carvataro Refinery, Euro Gold Refinery and Icon2 Gold Refinery.
Tanzania also has three reported gold refineries. The country has invested heavily in developing domestic gold processing as it seeks to increase government revenue and reduce the export of unprocessed minerals. Tanzania’s first major gold refinery, the Mwanza Precious Metals Refinery, was launched in 2021. The facility was reported to have a capacity of up to 480kg of gold per day at 99.99 percent purity.
