Ministry Sangafowa-Coulibaly in Washington calls for global traceability to curb illicit flows

From Washington, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Sangafowa-Coulibaly, has delivered a strong message advocating for global traceability of artisanal gold.

On the sidelines of the World Bank Spring Meetings, the Minister addressed G7 representatives and international private sector actors, stressing the need for stronger traceability systems to prevent illegal gold from entering formal supply chains.

“The world must reinforce traceability to stop illegal gold from entering formal value chains,” he stated.

The stakes are significant: an estimated 435 tonnes of gold escape official channels annually in Africa, including 142 tonnes in Côte d’Ivoire alone—representing a revenue loss of about CFAF 4,600 billion.

Beyond national concerns, the Minister called for a coordinated international response, including global gold traceability mechanisms, certification systems similar to the Kimberley Process, and stronger regulation of mercury and cyanide use.

Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself as a key advocate for reform, pushing for stronger global action against illicit gold flows.