
Gold dealers play a critical but often misunderstood role in African markets. When licensed and regulated, they act as the vital bridge between artisanal miners and global supply chains. AFRICA GOLD operates as a licensed gold dealer in Ghana, South Africa, and South Sudan not as a broker, but as a principal buyer who assumes legal ownership, ensures compliance, and prepares material for export. This role is foundational to formalizing Africa’s gold sector.
Legal Dealers vs. Informal Brokers
The distinction is stark:
- Licensed dealers hold government-issued permits (e.g., PMMC in Ghana, SADPMR in South Africa), maintain physical offices, and follow national export protocols.
- Informal brokers operate without licenses, pay in cash with no receipts, and sell to unknown aggregators often feeding illicit trade.
Only licensed dealers can legally export gold. AFRICA GOLD falls squarely in this category.

Core Functions of a Licensed Dealer
- Verification: Confirm miner licenses and mining zone legality
- Documentation: Record GPS, weight, and seal numbers in bound logs
- Payment: Provide cash or bank transfer with handwritten receipts
- Compliance: Submit export permits to national authorities
- Export Preparation: Arrange accredited assay and secure logistics
These steps turn fragmented artisanal output into structured, traceable supply.
Why Miners Prefer Licensed Dealers
- Guaranteed payment (no “disappearing buyers”)
- Legal protection from seizure
- Access to formal markets and fair pricing
- Inclusion in national revenue systems
In Ghana’s Ashanti Region, over 80% of licensed miners now work exclusively with registered dealers a shift driven by trust and stability.

The Bigger Impact
Licensed dealers like AFRICA GOLD help governments capture tax revenue, reduce smuggling, and bring artisanal mining into the formal economy. In 2025 alone, Ghana collected over $1.2 billion in mineral royalties much of it from dealer-reported transactions.
Conclusion
Gold dealers are not middlemen they are regulators by proxy. When properly licensed, they enforce compliance, protect miners, and enable Africa’s gold to reach global markets with legitimacy. AFRICA GOLD’s role as a dealer is not about profit alone, but about building a transparent, accountable system where every gram has a story and a stamp of approval.
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