Uganda reports $248 million in gold imports from Cameroon despite data discrepancies

Data from the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) and UN Comtrade reveals a significant discrepancy between gold export declarations made by Uganda and those recorded by Cameroon. In 2024, Uganda reported importing 3,175 kg of raw gold from Cameroon, valued at approximately $248.18 million (150.5 billion FCFA). However, Cameroonian statistics show no corresponding gold exports to Uganda for that period.

This trend follows a similar pattern from 2023, when Uganda declared 1,117 kg of Cameroonian gold worth $71.61 million, despite Cameroon recording no such exports. The volume declared by Uganda in 2023 actually exceeded Cameroon’s officially traced semi-mechanized artisanal production of 952.77 kg reported by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

While these statistical asymmetries raise questions regarding mining governance and potential illicit trade, the EITI report emphasizes the need for data reconciliation between administrative bodies. The discrepancy highlights a growing gap in reported trade volumes between the two nations.