Chadian gold in the BEAC's vaults?
Meeting in N'Djamena in early October, the BEAC board approved the framework for its programme to buy gold produced in the region. An ambitious project that could directly involve Chad's gold sector.
Translated from French. Lire en français
A decision taken in N'Djamena
On 5 October 2026, the board of directors of the Bank of Central African States met in the Chadian capital. It adopted the institution's 2027–2030 strategy and the guidelines of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (PAOD). This step follows the decision in principle taken on 8 April 2026 by the Ministerial Committee of the Central African Monetary Union (UMAC) to monetise regional gold.
The idea is simple: instead of letting gold mined in the sub-region leave for abroad, the central bank buys it in CFA francs and adds it to its reserves.
From 4% to 15% gold in reserves
Today, gold accounts for only about 4% of the BEAC's foreign exchange reserves. The 2025–2030 strategic plan targets 15%. At the end of 2025, the central bank held 201,903 ounces, about 6.3 tonnes, exactly the same quantity as a year earlier.
Rising world prices have nonetheless lifted the value of this stock: from 333.9 billion FCFA at the end of 2024 to 492.9 billion at the end of 2025. But this is a paper gain. To truly strengthen reserves, new quantities must be acquired.
The challenge of local supply chains
This is where the project becomes concrete. Much of the region's gold comes from artisanal mining, often informal. For the BEAC to buy, there will need to be accessible collection channels, checks on the metal's origin, reliable certification and an attractive price for producers.
The quantities, financing and timetable for the first purchases have not yet been specified. The BEAC has already approached the Central African Republic, where several gold sites are mined.
An opportunity for Chad
For Chad, where gold panning employs many people, the programme could offer a formal and secure outlet. Provided the state organises the sector: mapping of sites, licensed buying offices, traceability and the fight against smuggling.
Key figures
- BEAC gold stock: about 6.3 tonnes
- Gold's share of reserves: 4%, target 15%
- Value of the stock at end-2025: 492.9 billion FCFA
- Published on:
- Wednesday, 28 October 2026
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