Sudan loses billions of dollars in gold revenues each year as large volumes bypass official channels, deepening economic pressures during the ongoing war.
Official estimates put annual gold production at about 200 tons, but official revenues reached only $1.8 billion in 2025, exposing a major gap.
Junta Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim says authorities identified nearly 199 tons of production but could not ensure most entered the formal economy because of widespread smuggling.
Economic experts say official exports represent only part of total production, as stockpiles, domestic sales and delayed exports also affect the figures.
They warn that weakened oversight during the conflict has expanded the informal gold trade, depriving the state of foreign currency, tax revenues and resources needed to stabilise the economy.
Analysts say stronger oversight, competitive pricing and digital tracking are essential to bring more gold into official channels and strengthen Sudan’s economy.
