Burkina Faso gold exports reach $10 billion, attracting Saudi interest

Burkina Faso’s gold sector has reached a significant economic milestone, with gold exports valued at approximately $10 billion in 2025. The metal now accounts for more than 91% of the country’s total export value. In 2025, the nation exported 99.13 tonnes of gold, with total production exceeding 94 tonnes, including roughly 42 tonnes from artisanal mining.

This economic surge has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian investors. Nouf Ali Alsalaten Al Qhatani, head of Sarmady Co., met with Burkina Faso’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Boukary Savadogo, in Riyadh to discuss potential mining partnerships. While no capital has been committed yet, Sarmady representatives noted that improvements in the local security environment are a key factor in evaluating future cooperation.

The government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, is currently focused on increasing national control over mineral wealth and ensuring more economic value remains within the country. Mining activities generated over CFA776 billion ($1.4 billion) in budget revenue for the state in 2025.