Small-Scale gold mining (ASM) is a significant contributor to Ghana's gold production, supporting over one million jobs and generating over $5 billion in export revenue.

To strengthen the sector, Ghana has introduced initiatives such as the Community Mining Scheme, District Mining Committees, the Ghana Land Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project, and the Ghana Gold Board. Zambia, Africa's largest copper producer, is also working to strengthen its ASM sector.

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development increased the issuance of artisanal mining rights and small-scale exploration licenses, with a goal to scale copper production to 3 million tons per annum by 2030.

In Zimbabwe, ASM remains a key driver of growth in the gold sector, contributing to a 40.6 per cent increase in gold output in Q1 2025 compared to Q4 2024.

Programs like the Gold Mobilisation Program and Gold Development Initiative Fund are enabling miners with funding and technical training, boosting output and sectoral sustainability. Ethiopia is advancing the formalisation of its ASM sector through the National ASM Strategy, employing over 1.26 million people and contributing 65 per cent of the country's foreign exchange earnings.