• Côte d'Ivoire hailed as top gold investment hub at ADU 2025.

• Exploration permits rose from 20 to 200 in a decade.

• Govt raised gold royalty tax, mining code review ongoing.

Côte d'Ivoire is a top destination for gold investment, with its favorable business climate dominating discussions at the 2025 Africa Down Under conference. The annual event, which concluded on Friday, September 5, brings together Australian mining companies active in Africa and leaders from African mining nations.

According to reports from Mining Weekly, Australian junior miners Turaco Gold and African Gold praised the political stability and favorable environment created by the Ivorian government. Justin Tremain, CEO of Turaco, declared there is "no better place in the world" to build a gold mine, pointing out that exploration permits have increased from 20 to more than 200 in ten years.

Adam Oehlman, head of African Gold, highlighted the speed of discoveries in the country, with his company declaring nearly one million ounces in just ten months at the Didievi project. Both executives emphasized the efficiency of procedures and the government's recognition of the mining sector's role in economic growth. A July 2025 International Monetary Fund (IMF) report noted that Côte d'Ivoire is on track for sustained growth, estimated at 6.0% in 2024, driven in large part by a 13.9% expansion in mining.

The factors cited by the two executives already helped Côte d'Ivoire secure the top spot among West African mining jurisdictions in the 2023 annual ranking by the Fraser Institute. For its report, the Canadian think tank surveys business leaders active in mining countries worldwide to evaluate mineral potential and mining policies.

Despite the positive outlook, investors in Côte d'Ivoire face certain challenges. To benefit from rising gold prices, the Ivorian government included a two-point increase in the mining royalty tax on gold sales in its 2025 Finance Act.

Additionally, authorities initiated a review of the mining code in 2024 to strengthen the country's attractiveness while also "ensuring equity in the distribution of mining wealth." This statement from Minister of Mines Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly echoes recent rhetoric in Mali and Burkina Faso, which has led to increased state participation in mines. The review has so far generated little reaction from stakeholders, likely because specific changes have yet to be announced.

Finally, a test of Côte d'Ivoire's political and economic stability looms with the presidential election scheduled for October 2025.

Emiliano Tossou