Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, the African Union’s top official for economic development and minerals, has positioned Ghana’s Gold Board as a primary example for other states on the continent. Speaking during the Mining in Motion 2026 conference in Accra, she argued that African nations must move beyond simple resource ownership to actively managing how their minerals are processed and utilized. According to MyJoyOnline, she stressed that the continent needs to establish its own strategic priorities rather than relying on external industrial demands to dictate its development path.
Belobe highlighted the 2025 African Green Mineral Strategy as a key policy tool for this shift. She noted that while strategic frameworks are essential, they must be converted into tangible investments to be effective. The commissioner expressed concern that despite holding vast mineral reserves, the continent captures a limited portion of the final value. She advocated for partnerships that foster local industries and financial institutions, ensuring that economic benefits remain within African borders rather than flowing primarily to foreign investors.
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama detailed the specific outcomes of the Gold Board’s operations. He reported that regulatory changes for small-scale mining led to a significant rise in gold exports, which jumped from 64 tonnes in 2024 to 104 tonnes in 2025. This volume increase contributed to export earnings reaching $10.8 billion last year, a substantial rise from the previous year’s $4.66 billion. Mahama also outlined a plan to phase out raw ore exports by 2030, aiming to force more domestic processing and reduce environmental impact through new technologies.
Recent financial data from the board supports the AU’s endorsement. In September 2026, the Gold Board generated $1.871 billion in foreign currency, surpassing its monthly goal of $1.4 billion. This revenue was distributed between commercial banks and the central bank to stabilize the currency and build national reserves. Belobe concluded that these results demonstrate how targeted reforms can enhance macroeconomic resilience, a lesson she said the AU intends to share with other African governments seeking similar stability.