Senegal is rich in natural resources, and the mining sector plays a major part, with gold contributing over 40% of total output. Sabodala is the main gold hub, producing about 5.5 tons annually. Phosphate reserves, found in Taïba and Thiès, make up 15% of the sector’s output, with yearly production reaching 1.3 million tons. Zircon…
Mali, a West African country with no coastline, is rich in natural resources, with a lot of mineral wealth, gold, uranium, phosphates, bauxite, iron ore, and semi-precious stones. As of 2025, Mali remains Africa’s third or fourth-largest gold producer. Major mines are in the Mandingue Plateau, southwest of the country. Gold exports hit over $4…
Nigeria has an abundance of natural resources, both renewable and nonrenewable. Crude oil and natural gas dominate, making up over 90% of export earnings. Oil reserves are 37 billion barrels, and gas reserves are 202 trillion cubic feet. The country is also rich in coal, iron ore, limestone, tin, columbite, and gold. Bitumen reserves are…
Ghana boasts a wealth of natural resources that drive its economy and development. Often called the “Gold Coast,” it is Africa’s top gold producer, with gold making up nearly 90% of its mineral exports. Other key resources include industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, timber, and oil. The discovery of the Jubilee oil field in 2007 was…
Côte d’Ivoire is rich in natural resources and mostly relies on them for economic growth. The country is the world’s number one in cocoa production up 31.7% of global exports. It’s also a key exporter of rubber (11.2%) and cashew nuts (6.9%). The country holds vast mineral wealth, gold, diamonds, iron ore, bauxite, and manganese….
Gambia covers 11,295 km² and has limited natural resources. Key resources include silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), zircon, clay, and gravel, which are mainly used in local construction. The Gambia River is essential for fisheries and farming. Despite an 81 km coastline rich in marine life, the resource sector contributes little to the economy,…
Liberia has a lot of natural resources, including minerals, forests, water, and farmland. Important minerals like iron ore, gold, and diamonds are found in areas such as the Bomi Hills and Mount Nimba. In 2023, production rose, with gold by 16.4%, diamonds by 2.6%, and iron ore by 1% due to favorable mining conditions. Forests…
Guinea-Bissau has rich natural resources, minerals, fertile land, fisheries, and forests. Its notable minerals include bauxite, phosphates, gold, diamonds, and untapped petroleum. In 2024, the country began exploring deepwater oil, with Apus Energy drilling an offshore well targeting 314 million barrels. Agriculture, mainly cashew nuts, drives the economy, making up 90% of exports. Fisheries are…
Guinea has vast natural resources, including 23% of the world’s bauxite reserves, and exported over 102 million tons in 2022, ranking second in the world. The country also has over 4 billion tons of untapped high-grade iron ore, mainly in Simandou and Mount Nimba. Gold and gem-quality diamonds are abundant. Other minerals like graphite, uranium,…
Cabo Verde, an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands off West Africa, has limited but varied natural resources. Its main assets are stunning beaches, rich marine life, and strong renewable energy potential. The islands, made of igneous rock, have volcanic formations dating back 8–20 million years. Major minerals include basalt, limestone, pozzolana, kaolin, and gypsum. Pozzolana…
