From mines to vaults: DR Congo to channel state-traded gold into central bank reserves

Bloomberg reports that DRC Gold Trading SA will partner with the central bank to supply gold sourced from Congo’s hand-dug, or artisanal, mining operations, as authorities seek to capitalize on the country’s vast mineral wealth and elevated global gold prices.

Under the new framework, the state-owned trader will aggregate artisanal output and supply it to the central bank for conversion into monetary reserves. The move aims to strengthen the Congolese franc, diversify reserve assets, and curb smuggling, signaling a broader push to retain more value from the country’s mineral resources

The central bank’s gold-buying program aims to strengthen the Congolese franc, diversify reserve assets, and formalize the artisanal mining sector, which has historically operated largely outside regulated channels.

Domestic gold anchors Congo’s central bank strategy amid conflict

DRC Gold Trading SA, initially set up in partnership with the United Arab Emirates and now fully Congolese-owned, serves as the formal channel for artisanal gold production.

Gold sourced from provinces such as Ituri and South Kivu will be purchased by the central bank and converted into official monetary reserves, positioning gold as a central pillar of the nation’s economic strategy.

By integrating international oversight, Kinshasa aims to maximize economic benefit from its home-grown resources while enhancing security in conflict-prone areas.

Gold remains a cornerstone of many central banks’ reserve strategies because it is a store of value during economic volatility, helps hedge against currency risks, and enhances investor confidence in the financial system.

As central banks globally expand their gold holdings to diversify away from foreign exchange exposure, several African nations are also adapting their reserve portfolios accordingly, albeit at varied scales.

The move places the country among a growing number of African states using homegrown resources to reinforce monetary sovereignty and navigate regional instability.